Trouble accessing shared folders via non-simple file sharings in Windows XP

[seeknowsage]

I am trying to access shared folders between two windows xp sp2 machines I have connected via a router. Furthermore, I run Zone Alarm on both machines. With simple file sharing enabled, I am able to share files with no problems. However, I don?t like the idea of using simple file sharing and would rather configure my setup to require logins when attempting to access shared folders.

Thus far, I?ve followed various guides presented at http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/F...s/win2kxp.html , http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/0....html#Advanced , etc. I?ve created a synchronized account on either machine with the same access rights and password. I?ve shared a folder on either machine and I?ve set the relevant permissions and security for the aforementioned accounts (as far as I can tell).

However, when I attempt to locally connect to a shared folder (I try to connect to a shared folder on the same machine it is hosted on) by going to run and entering ?\\ComputerName\SharedFolder?, I get the following error message:


\\ComputerName\SharedFolder is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions.

Access is denied.


I get this message even if Zone Alarm is disabled on either machine. If, on the other hand, I navigate to ?My Network Places?, I can see the locally shared folder and access it with no problems. However, I also can see the shared folder on the second machine, but I cannot access it and am presented with the above error when I try to do so. Likewise, navigating to ?My Network Places/Entire Network/Microsoft Windows Network/WorkgroupName/ComputerName? produces the same error for EITHER machine, even if I am trying to access the locally shared folder.

Does anyone have any clue how to fix this? Furthermore, is there any way I can setup windows to open a login window when attempting to access a folder shared across my network in order to authorize and authenticate my login?

 

[Allanv]

map a drive and specifiy the usename and pass, it still requires you to tell it the user and passsword.

you can do this and tell it to reconnect at logon if you want

so in windows explorer/map network drive.

when that pops up put in

\\ComputerName\SharedFolder then click the "connect using a different username" put in the details you have set on the machine you want to access. tick the box reconnect at logon.

ok then finish.

Job done

 

[seeknowsage]

Allanv,
Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I've tried that as well with the same result as above. )=

 

[JackMDS]

Mapping does not work if the basic core sharing is not functional.

Some version of ZA can block sharing even when disabled.

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

Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings,http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what it is allowed to be shared.

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

 

[Allanv]

Thanks JackMDS.

what i normally do and works everytime is:

ensure simple file share is off
make sure file print is on in the network connection
add user to other pc same name and password
map drive with credentials supplied ealier.

the above is what i would talk a novice through doing, BUT zone alarm is the devil and i would first kill that then slap the user for installing it.

never used vista and with all its trouble i suspect XP will be my last windows OS

 

[RebateMonger]

Yeah, I've seen Zone Alarm trip up some very computer-knowledgeable clients. One was having a VPN access problem and swore up and down that Zone Alarm was set up correctly. I hooked up my laptop (sans Zone Alarm) and it instantly connected to the VPN. In the end, the answer was.....Zone Alarm was the culprit. I remove it from any business clients that I have and turn on the XP SP2 Firewall.

 

[seeknowsage]

Thanks for your replies! I'll give those links and that advice a shot and report back how it goes. (=