Networking Problem

[winston]

I have 4 computers running WinXp pro. They are all networked together. However one of them will not show up in workgroup computers. From this computer I can access the others but from any of the others I cannot access this one. All computers have avg free and zone alarm. The computer in question does not have any programs the others don't have. So far I have found no help online. Any suggestions?? thanks Winston May

[Chris Dorch]

Okay..

The good the bad and the ugly...

Being able to browse a computer by using the "\\computername" or by using "My Network" is based on two things... The crappy and old NetBIOS protocol and the crappy and unreliable master browser service. I can go into a long winded diatribe about the folly of such items and debate the usefullness of them, but that wouldn't help you.

1) Check to see if File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks has been installed. (Control Panel>Network Connections>Right-click on adapter(s)>Properties.. Check the list for it. If it's not, Click install>service>File and Printer sharing...

2) If it is installed, make sure some of the following services are running: Remote Procedure Call, Secondary Logon, Server, TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper, Workstation.

3) If these services are present and running, there's probably a different configuration between the firewalls. Generally, ports 135 and 137 are involved with NetBIOS network access. These are generally considered naugty ports and can be used by hackers. Ensure that all 4 firewalls are configured identically.

4) Ensure that you aren't double firewalling it... Turn Windows firewall off if you have another one..

Outside of these... I can't think of much else...

Hope it helps...

[Wiz Feinberg]

On the computer that can see the others, but they can't see it; Check the workgroup name to ensure it matches the others. Make sure that you have assigned that PC a different Computer Name than any others in the group. Open a Command Windows and run "ipconfig /all" and make sure that PC was assigned an IP address in the same subnet range as the others. See if the DHCP Server corresponds to the router.

Can you Ping to and from that PC to other PCs on the network? As Chris asked, is File and Printer Sharing enabled on it? Are you actually sharing any files or folders? If not, pick one and enable sharing.

[winston]

File and print sharing in checked. The computer in question can access all the other computers, the others cannot access it. I will follow your suggestions. thanks winston