XP Computer Cannot Share Folders

[Rossua]

I have a computer running XP Pro on a home network which cannot share its folders with any other machines on the network, though those other machines can all access this machine via the "ping" command, so that the network itself must be OK.

I think the problem begun after installing SP2 on the machine. I have now uninstalled SP2 and also performed a repair install of XP on the machine by booting from the XP CD, but still the problem occurs. The error message in Explorer says " not accessible. You may not have permissions...etc" when another machine tries to access it.

The shares of the machine come up OK in Explorer's "My Network Places". And the machine sees all the other machines and their shared folders on the network.

I am wondering if a complete re-install of this machine is the only way to solve this problem. Or is there any other areas I could look at to solve it ?

Many thanks in advance for any pointers/ideas.

Ross

[Cisridn]

Check to make sure 'File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks' is enabled in the properties of your Local Area Connection

[Rossua]

Both machines have File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks enabled in the NIC's properties. Machine B can see the resources of machine A, but not vice-versa.

Stumped.

[Cisridn]

Originally Posted by Rossua Machine B can see the resources of machine A, but not vice-versa.

Strange.
The only thing that comes to my mind is if Machine B has a firewall that would prevent Machine A from accessing it or if a router is being used to network the computers together, the properties of the router are set to restrict access to machine B.

Hopefully someone with more experience will see this thread and offer their input.

[glc]

Are you using simple file sharing on the XP Pro machine or is it disabled? (Folder options, View - last item)

If it's disabled, you have to add local users or enable the Guest account. The local users by policy default also have to use passwords, a blank password won't work. If it's enabled, try enabling the Guest account.

[Rossua]

thanks for replies
Cisridn : I have no routers just simple crossover cable from machine A to machine B. Problem machine B (XP with no SP's applied) has the Internet Connection Firewall service stopped. Both machines run XP and are set up exactly the same, so why one works and the other not is something of a mystery.
glc : I have checked Simple File Sharing is on and Guest account enabled.

I think I have a machine corruption as on running group policy editor (GPEDIT.MSC) I get about 20-30 error messages reporting entries that are too long and need to be truncated. I got this after uninstalling SP2 and doing the repair install. I've also tried SFC, Safe Mode with NW, logging in under different user names, and changing to a different workgroup, all to no avail.

I've always found setting up networking with XP to be very straightforward and am dumbfounded as to why this won't work.

[glc]

You may want to consider a wipe and a fresh start if you have that kind of corruption.

[Rossua]

Yes that's what I was afraid of. Probing any deeper is just not worth the time. Its a lot quicker to just re-install everything.