Sharing problem between 2 computers with WIN2K PRO

[lorinser75]

Hey Guys & Win 2K expert

I need help on windows 2000 sharing problems. I have two computers with win2k Pro installed. The two machines are almost identical, except for the FILE SYSTEM. One of the machines is NTFS & The other is FAT32.

My problem is:

If I try to access the other computer ("FAT32" one) using the "NTFS" computer, everything is fine. I can delete, copy, paste..etc (FULL SHARING), HOWEVER, if I am using the FAT32 computer, and I try to access the NTFS computer, I can't seem to do anything. As soon as I try to access "my documents" in the NTFS computer, the computer said "access denied". But the opposite works just fine. What is the problem? is it bec. of the different file systems? In fact both systems has the same configurations in term of "permission" & "security"

This is what I have already checked/done:
1. Sharing on the C drive (both computers) - "permission" - everyone allowed / "security" - everyone allowed
2. Add "users" in "local users & groups"
3. Check "local policies" and "user right Assignment" - all checked fine

What else can be missing? I can share printers & internet between the two computers with no problem

Please don't ask me why the other computer has win2k pro but FAT32 file system. I might hurt my roomate's feeling

Thanks a bunch guys

 

[propellerhead]

NTFS PCs can access FAT32 drives on other PCs. FAT32 PCs cannot access NTFS drives.

There are some 3rd part utilities that will let you get around this. Or, set up a FAT32 partition on the NTFS PC. The FAT32 PC will be able to get to that partition.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: propellerhead
NTFS PCs can access FAT32 drives on other PCs. FAT32 PCs cannot access NTFS drives.

This is misleading. Certain operating systems, which run only on FAT32 (e.g. Win9x), cannot access a local NTFS partition on the same machine. Windows 2000 and XP can access both local FAT32 and NTFS partitions.

For file sharing over a network, the underlying filesystem is irrelevant. My suspicion is that this has to do with NTFS's built-in file security. I would create a user on the NTFS box (say, "Roommate"). Add the Roommate user to the administrators group. Now, go to the FAT32 box, go to the command prompt (Start / Run / cmd). Type the following:

net use I: \\<NTFS Computer name>\c$ <Roommate user password> /USER:Roommate /Persistent:Yes

This will map the I: drive to your c$ admin share with the Roommate username and password. Of course, now your roommate is an admin on your machine, but since you wanted to share your entire C: drive anyway, this is the easiest solution.

 

[lorinser75]

Thanks a lot for the comments Mr. Chad & propellerhead

One last thing, how do I create/set up user in the NTFS box?
Is it under the "manage" -> "local user groups" -> "users" -> then add "roommate" as the user? if this is the one,
I've already set up a "users" for my roommate, so I guess I can just move on and type the the command on the "cmd" right?

or is it under "Local security policy" in the control panel Admin tools?


Thanks again guys.

 

[MrChad]

Is it under the "manage" -> "local user groups" -> "users" -> then add "roommate" as the user?

Yep, that's it. Be aware that the c$ share is for Administrators only. If your Roommate user is not a member of the Administrators group, he will not be able to access it.

 

[lorinser75]

Thanks a lot MrChad.

Appreciate it man.