pc's dont find each other in local network

[grasshopperbe]

I'm trying to get a simple network up on my work. Its between a compac with xp pro and a siemens with xp home. i got a 5-port switch, and 2 extra cables. i placed the cables and all, set up the shared folders, use automatic ip adresses (else it wont work on our internet host) . the hardware is all installed properly and both pc's find themselves.
i disabled the xp firewall, but no matter what i try they wont even ping each other. the connection from one to the internet still works as before (the other in a little while, when the host has set to allow 2 Ip's. )

can anyone point me out to what i am forgetting here. i am used to 2k myself and its a bit different (none of those wizards and all that)

[yellohut]

make sure both pc's are in the same workgroup, but have different names.
right click 'my computer' and i believe the tab is called 'pc name' or something like that. there should be a button that says change. just remember woprkgroup has to be the same on both, and the name has to be different. it doesn't matter what they are.

[Panama Red]

If both comps have the same Work Group name, then check the active Network Connections of both machines to assure they both have the same properties checked. Right click on your connection device in Network Connections, select properties and make sure the following are checked:

Client for Microsoft Windows
File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks
QoS Packet Scheduler
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Hope this helps.

[CrazyMike]

Are they on the same subnet? Go into the command prompt and run ipconfig and make sure they have the same subnet mask.

[grasshopperbe]

the network seems to be up . i was checking all the things from the responses (thanks everyone btw) .
for some reason they still wouldnt find each other, but then the husband of a co-worker happened to stop by. he sat down at the other pc of and he says all he did was share the entire c:\ partition, opened "my network locations", and found the shares on the pc i was on. i did the same, and it worked. one thing i also did on beforehand was disable the "firewall" from xp in network setting tab. because it noted something of pc's not being able to find each other otherwise.

the thing i am worried about now is the security. both pc's are on a hub with a cable internet connection. one runs norton antivirus and norton internet security or something like that. but the other doesnt (fresh pc, only has os installed) . whats a good way to get it a bit secure. just firewall and antivirus on each pc?

[doctorgonzo]

If you are using a hub and not a router with a built-in hardware firewall, get a software firewall on both PCs at the very least, along with anti-virus.

[gunrunnerjohn]

I'd spring for the broadband router, it provides basic firewall protection, DHCP server, etc. I would most certainly NOT leave an unprotected machine on the Internet, that's an invitation to problems.

[grasshopperbe]

its a regular 5-port switch that cost maybe 40 bucks at most. now its for 2 pc's, but in a while one more will be installed .
i know just a little about routers. i did know that they're a lot better than hubs or switches for internet as gunrunner john mentions , but im afraid it will be a bit expensive, or at least for now( a starting business) . and its kinda the bosses decision, i can only advise . the pc's were bought with software( 2x siemens and a *ugh* compaq) so there's antivirus at hand and i guess zonealarm for firewall. seems that does work, norton stopped a bugbear mail just this afternoon
(came from another company)
thanks for the help

[gunrunnerjohn]

Well, across the pond I understand routers are more expensive, I can buy broadband routers on rebate deals around here for less than $10 pretty regularly. I picked up my D-Link DI-614+ wireless router for $15 after rebate.

[grasshopperbe]

well the only price i can find in local shops sites is a
US Robotics Router 4port LAN at 80 bucks and some d-link wireless routers between 135 and 170 euro. that is quite a lot more expensive indeed(from what i knew i thought they were even a lot more expensive than that) . At 15 bucks i would have a router for my home cable connection . that 80 bucks us robotics one might be a decent alternative in a while (boss needs to be persuaded.) im going to save up for that us robotics one myself i think, would be a cool addition at home.
(it might actually be cheaper trying to order in US and delivering it to belgium . who knows)

[gunrunnerjohn]

It astounds me how expensive some of these products are in Europe, there's no reason for the huge price disparity. OTOH, there's no reason that folks in the US pay the highest prices for drugs in the world, since most of them are manufactured in the US!

Sometimes prices just don't make sense.