Computers can't see XP on a network or vice-versa

While this isn't all the answers, it's a good place to start.  I won't also digress into every step, else I'd need a book, so a few things are assumed, like you know how to use a computer, and know basic networking skills.   Otherwise, call your buddy to help...and I'm not your buddy. ;-)

Remember that Greek guy, NOTOS - never overlook the oblivious...

1- Do you have the proper network card drivers - go to Device Manager and check
2- Is the computers plugged into the network - don't laugh, been burned more than once on this
3- Is the hub/switch/router other computer on? - don't laugh again, but I think you get my point.
4- Does the other computer have a shared folder/drive?
5- Do you have a shared folder?  Make a "TEMP" folder and share it.  Win98 have to enable first.

Some quick reminders:

• The server that gives out IP address is called a DHCP
• The server that handles "www.somename.com" is DNS
• The server that handles local NETBIOS names is WINS

A. Do you have Firewalls (either hardware or software)
If you have Zone Alarm, Black ICE Defender Windows XP by default has a built in firewall, disable them till you figure out what is causing the problem.

1.  Open Network Connections (Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double click Network Connections.)
2.  Click the Dial up, LAN or High–Speed Internet connection that you want to protect, and then, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.
3.  On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, select the following:  Clear the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box. This disables the firewall; your computer and network are then vulnerable to intrusions.

B. Do you all have the same IP address/network?

        1. Type "IPCONFIG" from the DOS or Command Prompt Window (Start/Run/"command")

C:\> ipconfig (upper, lower case, don't care)

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.105.100
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.105.1

You should be on the same network as the gateway or other computer you are trying to reach.  If a Class "C", then the first three sets of numbers have to be the same, with a Subnet mask of 255x3times.  Yes there are variations 240, 248, etc...but this is just for simplistic help.

        2. Type "PING" and your gateway number shown from IPCONFIG.  Should get 4 returns.

C:\> Ping 192.168.105.1

Reply from 192.168.105.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=150
Reply from 192.168.105.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=150
Reply from 192.168.105.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=150
Reply from 192.168.105.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=150

Ping statistics for 192.168.105.1:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 0ms, Maximum = 0ms, Average = 0ms

3. Go back to START/RUN and type two backslashes \\ with the IP address of the computer, hit Enter.  This is called the UNC.  Look up the definition on your own. ;-)

C:\> \\192.168.105.1

This should get you to your gateway.  That means the cabling and network is working.  Substitute another computer you are trying to reach also, like C:\> \\192.168.105.2 say for example.

4. See if you can Ping or UNC (\\) the computer via NETBIOS name.

            C:\> \\Bev-P4

This should get you there also.  If you can connect via the IP address, but not the user friendly name, then it's an issue with Windows.  Try Rebooting.  Seriously, this fixes about 90% of the problems

5.  If you still can't get to the other computer, open up Windows Explorer on their computer,  go to TOOLS/Folder Options on menu bar.  Scroll down till you see SIMPLE FILE SHARING (recommended).  Uncheck that box. (Leave empty).

        Hopefully this should help you get going.  If not, load Linux...just kidding.

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