Simple Networking Problem

[Magicb6076]

I recently reformatted my desktop and laptop computers and reinstalled Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 on both machines. When setting up Windows, I assigned them both to the same Workgroup. I have a third desktop that was not reformatted that is also assigned to the same Workgroup. I have done this set-up before and have had no problems finding each different computer though My Network Places....I made shortcuts on each desktop to each machine...I basically use this simple network just to drag files around. For some reason, with this new reinstall, I cannot get these machines to find each other.

I do have some new conditions with this new reinstall:

I have installed Norton Internet Security 2008 on both the desktop and the laptop (the other desktop has AVG)....however I had Internet Security 2007 before and did not have any problems

The Microsoft Updates installed SP3 on the newly installed desktop and laptop

I also have a wireless router on the network now....I am going to try and describe the current set-up as best as possible

I have a cable modem from which I have a wired router connected which provides a internet signal to both desktops on the first two ports of 4. The 4th port has a ethernet cord which runs upstairs to a wireless router to provide wireless to the rest of my home. The 3rd port is empty. I have no internet connection problems through the wired router or the wireless router.

The two desktops will see each other on the same Workgroup, but I cannot connect to them. It brings up a username field (which is translucent...cannot fill it out) and a password box below...I have never seen this before...but no matter what, they will not connect and I cannot access the shared folder on each machine...I think this may be because of the new Norton?

I would love to be able to access all the computers from upstairs through the wireless signal, but that does not work either..I only see my laptop on the Workgroup network....AND even when I physically tie into the network on my laptop through the 3rd port on the wired router, I still only see my laptop computer and not the two desktops.

I know this is incredibly long, but I wanted to be as detailed as possible. If anyone has a solutions to these problems...OR if there is any easier way, PLEASE let me know..

Let me know if I need to be more clear on anything.
THANK YOU!

[glc]

Very simple - get rid of Norton and just use the Windows firewall. Replace it with AVG. Then run the networking wizard on all machines to get everything set up right.

[Magicb6076]

I have already paid for a year subscription to Norton. I would like to finish that. Besides, I have had Norton for several years and have not had any problems doing this simple network. Do you think they would have changed things in Internet Security?

Does anyone know what "General Rules" I need to turn to "allow" that may be blocked in the Firewall Settings so that I can connect freely.

Thanks again!

[cmillar6]

try disabling the Norton Firewall first to confirm that it is the cause of the problem (it usually is) If it is put the IP address of each computer on your network into the trusted zone in the Norton firewall and that should solve your problems. If I remember correctly Internet Security allows you to add an entire network including all possible IP addresses to the trusted zone of the firewall, this would eliminate adding each IP individually.

[Panama Red]

You're fighting a losing battle with Norton and networking. Even disabling the Norton firewall has prevented machines from joining a network for me. I'm with glc 100% on his recommendation to dump Norton, reenable the Windows Firewall and use AVG as your antivirus. Cut your losses and enjoy your pc instead of fighting with Norton/Symantec Security for control of your own machine.

[Magicb6076]

With the set-up that I have described above, and I get the network working...is there a way I can access the workgroup through the wireless router, which is getting its signal from the wired router and access all the computers, and not just the laptop?

[glc]

Yes, you have to neuter the remote router and make it into a simple switch/access point. The cable from the other router needs to go into one of the switch ports, not the WAN/Internet port.

You will need to log into the remote router, change its internal IP address to one that's in the subnet of the main router but outside of its DHCP scope, and then disable the DHCP services in it.