Networking between a pc and a laptop

[matas]

Recently I needed some files copied from laptop to pc. I noticed that laptop's shared network drive is not showing up on my pc, like it used to. I reshared files again, and refreshed all network connections, but still shared hard drives only would show on that same computer, but not the other one that files need to be transfered. I remember a week ago, it worked fine. Both are running win xp

 

[mechBgon]

Topic moved from Computer Help to Networking.

AnandTech Moderator
mechBgon

 

[JackMDS]

It is Not a big surprise that ?everything worked OK I did Not do anything? and suddenly it is Not Working.

The network part of computing is a dynamic system, IPs, Gateways, etc., can automatically change (especially when using Router and DHCP), active components that come through the Internet connection from Web pages can hamper the setting, and many applications that are Internet capable can contribute to the Chaos as well. In addition there are settings that do not look upfront as Network related, but they do affect the Network if changed (tweaked) by the user.

If you have software Firewalls check them to make sure that they do Not block local traffic.

http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#trust

In general, http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://www.microsoft.com/techn...evaluate/vista_fp.mspx

Basic XP - http://www.microsoft.com/techn...ntain/filesharing.mspx

Advanced XP - http://support.microsoft.com/d...x?scid=kb;en-us;304040

Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windo...t/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

Note: It takes some time Network changes to propagate, if configured correctly and it does not appear to work reboot, and wait. In a small Network after 10 - 20 min the shared might appear correctly.

Avoid using the Network Neighborhood, use the UNC system and use as much as possible Drive and folder Mapping (http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html#mao).