Windows File Sharing with TCP/IP

[Greenstead]

This is a general checklist for sharing files between PCs in a peer to peer network. There can be other reasons for problems but I think most people new to networking and finding sharing a problem will find the answer somewhere in this checklist.

These checks are all necessary for sharing to work with TCP/IP.
- PCs which are not XP must have TCP/IP installed.
- Each PC must have a unique computer name.
- Each PC must have a network share defined.
- ALL NICS must be on the same subnet (e.g. IP 192.168.0.* subnet mask 255.255.255.0).
- XP PCs must have Netbios over TCP/IP enabled (only essential for XP to talk to W9X PCs).
- MS Client and file & printer sharing must be enabled on each NIC.
- All NICs must have their node type = anything except p-node (peer to peer, or point-point). Check at cmd prompt with Ipconfig /all (XP/W2K) or winipcfg (W9X).
- XP's ICF firewall is permanently disabled. (Only necessary for pre XP SP2).
- All 3rd party firewalls are disabled, uninstalled and deleted (until connection is working).
- PCs have the same workgroup (helps, but not essential).

Allow 15 mins after rebooting a PC for that PC to appear in the workgroup, or for it to see all other PCs. Or you can search for the PC by its computer name.

If all the above checked out and still a problem check these:
Other ideas:
- Realtek cards have been known to be a problem with IRQ conflicts. Move the Realtek card to another PCI slot.
- Check your Services are Started on all PCs: Workstation, Server, TCP/IP Netbios helper, Computer Browser.
- You only need TCP/IP. NWLink NetBIOS, NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol ->are not needed and can confuse things. Remove them.
- XP gives access to its shares via the Guest Account. (Note, the local guest account in user accounts which should be off).
Net Guest Account access is enabled by default in XP, but check it:
At command prompt:
>Net user guest
Should return a line with 'Account active yes'.
If not active use:
>Net user guest /active:yes
(Still leave the user guest account off)
See link for explanation of guest account: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/300489/

Check XP Security policies:
- Access this computer from the network: add guest
- Deny logon locally: remove guest
- Network access:Sharing and security model... -> Guest only
- Deny access to this computer from the network-> check Guest is not here.

Other useful guides for step by step sharing are available here:
http://practicallynetworked.com/shar...ilesharing.htm

MS Tech D/B
http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

and here:
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/net.asp

Developing a SOHO network, sharing and security (by MS):
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/p...et/default.asp

How to share a printer and connect to a shared printer:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

Ports to open in a firewall for various applications:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/ports.asp

I will try to develop these checks with time. If you have suggestions to add/improve the checklist feel free to post your ideas.

If you have a network problem please start your own thread with the problem. Please do not post your problem here or reply to this thread.

[backert1]

You might also ad that XP does not like to recognize other computers/users whose name is two or more words in length with spaces or other characters between the words. This can be a particularily aggrivating issue when mixing win 98 and xp machines on a network.

[multiplexed]

Some constructive criticism...

"All pc's are in the same workgroup"

This is common advice, but it's also urban legend. I worked at a place with about 40 pc's in 5 workgroups and everyone could share files with everyone else. The purpose of a workgroup is not to isolate computers, but rather just to group them together for quicker and easier access to resources.

So in other words yes, in a home network you should have all computers in the same workgroup, but the reason is for easier file sharing with minimal number of computers, not for troubleshooting. It's not a requirement and your network will work fine if you're in different workgroups.

This is a great sticky idea though.

[cszeto]

Being in the same Workgroup allows for easy browsing of resources within the Workgroup. Resource sharing can still be accomplished across different Workgroups by directly naming the resource and having appropriate rights.

[Thomas Davie]

I've only been running a wireless network for 4 days, and was wondering why I could access my notebooks files from my PC, but not the other way around. The answer was;

'MS Client and file & printer sharing are checked on each NIC'

was not enabled on my network card on my desktop

I'll also add that thanks to your postingre: establishing a home multimedia wireless network, I was able to watch a movie on my desktop streamed from my laptop.

thanks

Tom

[aruba92]

Your the best, it was Norton's Firewall for me that was causing the problem.
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all...

[Greenstead]

Please use a separate thread for problems.