File Sharing cannot open all folders/files

[thereads]

Hello,

Our problem is that not all the computers in the network can see all the folders/files that they are supposed to.

We have set up a home network as follows :

Router Belkin ADSL Wireless router with 4 port switch
DHCP enabled.
Static internet connection / IP address

Computer 1 PC
connected to router by cable
PC running windows XP professional
Simple File Sharing enabled
(this machine is a Dell, but I don't think this is relevant)

Computer 2
connected to router by cable
Apple iMac running latest version of Tiger
Windows file sharing enabled

Computer 3 PC
connected wirelessly to router
PC running windows XP professional
Simple file sharing enabled

All machines can connect to internet without trouble.

Computer 1 and Computer 2 can see and open the shared folders and their files from Computer 3
Computer 3 and Computer 1 can see and open the folders from Computer 2
Computer 3 and Computer 2 can open ONE of the shared folders on Computer 1 but not the folders called Barry and Mum (they can see Dad folder OK)
The Barry and Mum folders have personalised share names, not at all identical. In reality the folders are the "My Documents" folders.
If the file share is removed from 'Dad' then the Barry and Mum folders/files still cannot be read. File sharing is DEFINITELY enabled for these folders

The following settings have been checked :

Client for Ms Networks & File & Printer sharing enabled (in Local Area properties)
Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP checked : LMHOSTS lookup NOT enabled (though it makes no difference either way)
Computer names are Different (and personalised) and workgroup is MSHOME throughout (except the iMac of course but the files from that machine are readable OK)
In Services the SERVER service is STARTED

Firewalls
The problem exists if all firewalls are turned OFF
(we are running Norton Internet Securtity on PC1 and I have throughly configured this even to the extent of PERMITTING windows file sharing in the networking advanced tab and have set a range of IP address 192.168.2. 2 to 6 in the permitted acess)
firewall on Computer 3 is Ms built in and is currently disabled

There are no virtual lans

I do not think it is a Master Browser Election problem (but willing to listen) as there is some file sharing working between the machines. Also machines do not pop in and out of the network. Once they are on they stay on all day so there are no changes. Once a machine leaves the network it does not join again until network start in the morning so there is very little negotiating once all the machines have joined.

OK I am stuck. Would someone please point out the simple error that I keep overlooking as I have been battling this for two days and just feel like bashing my head against a brick wall.

Thanks

Roy

[Gizmo]

Welcome to PCMechanic, thereads!

I hate to say this but uninstall NIS. It's a pain in the butt when it comes to networking and file sharing and I have a feeling it may be a part of your problem. Even if you have disabled all security functions in NIS, there will still be a part of NIS that will cause issues. Do you get any error message(s) when you try to open the two folders that you can't access? Make sure that you have the pertinent access permissions and read priveledges in the Security area of each folder.

[thereads]

Gizmo,

Thanks for your thoughts.
You could be right about Norton. It invades deep into the machine. However having suffered a total invasion and collapse about 18 months ago, taking off Norton at this point is a step I am not as yet ready to take. The small inconvenience of not being able to access some folders is offset by the possible trouble of something getting in. Whilst this is in no way "mission critical" or high volume stuff I do not want to have to go through explaining to clients again about delays etc.

Even so this morning I have been poking about and have upgraded the norton "not logged on account" to supervisor and checked that all the permissions are the same as for "Supervisor", to no effect. And turning it off completely does not help, but your point is still valid re Norton.

The error message on computer 3 trying to get into the Mum or Barry folder on computer 1 is the standard Access denied path not found : you may not have necessary permissions standard message. I have also tried mapping the folders to a drive letter but get access denied message.
As far as security goes the folders are not checked private and simple file sharing is checked with an appropriate unique name for the folder.

The strange thing is that in Windows Explorer the folders list, lists the folders under Ms Windows Network | Mshome. I just can not open Mum or Barry so I do think it is a Microsoft problem but just can not find it.

Cheers

Roy

[glc]

You should have adequate security between the router's firewall and the builtin XP SP2 firewalls, along with AVG Free antivirus. Get rid of that Norton.