Why can't I network Laptop and Desktop?

[ConLog]

Hi all!

First of all, to clarify things a bit, please look at the diagram I've drawn of my network setup...

http://img300.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image1gl0.jpg

Both computers are successfully connected to my broadband connection.

The problem I'm having is that I'd like to be able to print to my Epson printer using my laptop wirelessly anywhere in the house and I'd also like to share files between each computer.

I've run the network wizard on both machines but I've had no luck with each computer 'seeing' each other.

I bought a book today called 'Wireless Home Networking' but infuriatingly I can't find anything in it to solve my current predicament.

I'd really appreciate help on this because it's driving me nuts!

Colin.

[Panama Red]

If the printer is set to Share and Files are also set to Share on the Desktop pc and you're getting the "Access denied" message when you try to access the desktop from the laptop, try this thread in the Sticky section.

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=165490

[ConLog]

Thanks for that PR but it does not seem to have made any difference.

I have managed to get the laptop to 'see' my desktop PC in MSHOME but I keep getting the message '\\Colinspc 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. The network path was not found.'.

I have security on my wireless router so that outsiders cannot access my system. Is this the reason I'm getting problems?

I've set up wired networks before with WindowsXP PC's without any problems.

Any other ideas anyone?

[sgtspector]

Stab in the dark here: Does the desktop have an account on it with the same name as you are using on the laptop?

[ktkendall]

Did you turn off windows XP firewall? Is the workgrup name exactly the same on both PCs? Different PC names, and client for Microsoft Networks enabled, file and printer sharing enabled, and then you have to actually give share permissions and a share name to a folder and or printer.. Is there anything else running on either PC that may be blocking??

[DougL]

try installing NETBEUI that sometimes kickstarts the recognition factor.

Doug

[ConLog]

Originally Posted by ktkendall Did you turn off windows XP firewall?

SUCCESS!

Whilst turning of the WindowsXP firewall did not make any difference, turning off ZoneAlarm on both PC's did!

Thank you ktkendall - you've made my day!

All drives mapped, printers networked etc. The only thing that concerns me is that whilst my wireless network is secure, each computers drives appear in My Network Places as being on 'The Internet'. I'm worried that these drives could be accessed by someone on the net???

Thanks for all the replies.

[sgtspector]

You have to asdd a trusted zone to Zonealarm. On the Firewall page click the zones tab and add the ip address range of your homenetwork as a new trusted zone. Usually something like 192.168.1.0 (router) to 192.168.1.20 should do it.

[ConLog]

Originally Posted by sgtspector You have to asdd a trusted zone to Zonealarm. On the Firewall page click the zones tab and add the ip address range of your homenetwork as a new trusted zone. Usually something like 192.168.1.0 (router) to 192.168.1.20 should do it.

Thanks for that info sgtspector - done the trick!