sharing files in home network - XP Prof

[garf]

Some background info:

I've a PC running XP Prof at home, connected to a SMC Barricade router, which is connected to a Netcomm 1300 ADSL modem (for internet access).

Prior to getting the ADSL modem, this PC has been a standalone machine, and the network settings were all installed by default because of the built-in ethernet on the motherboard.

So when the ADSL modem came, I just simply connect the SMC router to the modem and the PC (because I know i'd be adding on a notebook to the network soon)

Without making any setting (except to configure the ADSL modem to connect to Switftel), I was able to surf the web in a jiffy.

Next comes the notebook (running XP Prof, which is for work use, connected to the company's Win2K domain). I was able to plugin to my home network and surf the web without any fuss.

So, both PC and notebook can surf the web at the same time.

Problem:
What can I do to share files between the PC and the notebook at home?

Before I activate the file sharing on either PC or notebook, I realise both computers can't ping each other (request timed out), but both can ping to the gateway.

Both computers have personal firewalls activated. The PC is using ZoneAlarm, and the notebook is using Symantec Desktop firewall.

[CloSeR]

Garf,

Some things to consider:

Firstly... for both the laptop, and PC to talk (Ping) you will need to check their IP settings, and Subnet Masks.. Make sure they are both on the same subnet.. otherwise your going to run into trouble.

Your work laptop being setup for a Domain may be a problem.. File sharing between two WinXP/Win2k machines works fine when they are both set to Workgroup. I havent tried it with a PC configured for a outside network with domain. I dont recommend changing your work laptop from Domain to Workgroup, as you wont be able to logon back at work until your IT staff recreate its account on the Domain.

For file sharing to work you will need to Enable the GUEST account on any pc which you want to share files from. Since Win2k /Winxp are NT O/S they use User Permissions to grant access to shares.. unlike in Windows98 where you would password protect shares.
Since you arent on a domain at home, you will need to enable guest to allow a remote host to connect to the share that you create.

As for your firewalls, i havent used either that your specifed, i only know Blackice and Checkpoint. But im sure you can add trusted ips to the config of the firewalls. you should this to allow traffic to flow between both machines. Failing that just disable the firewall. :)

One lastpoint.. you will need Admin rights to your laptop to enable guest.. since its a work one you may not have this access.

Goodluck


CLoSeR

[cathelest]

Im Not A IT Expert But,

Firstly,
I Would Setup Your Home Computer Around Your Laptop,

To Have Them Both See Each Other,
Go To The Network Propertys On Your Laptop, And Check Its Internal Ip Address,

Eg, 192.168.1.5 (Whatever It Is)

Now On The Home Pc You Must Have A Ip From The Same Pool,

Eg, If Ur Laptop Uses 192.168.1.5
Then Your Home Must Use 192.168.1.*

(* Is A Wildcard, You Can Set Any Number As The Wildcard)

Then The Subnet Mask On Your Home Pc Must Match The One On The Laptop,

Type The SwiftDsl DNS Settings Into The Primary And Secondry DSN Settings And That Hopefully Should Be It,

Enable Filesharing, And Attempt To Access/Ping The Other Machine.



Please Note That I Dont Know Alot About Network Domains,

I Hope The Above Information Is Useful,

[garf]

Thanks to both for your response!

I was too busy last night to try out, but I'd do so when I get home tonight (i hope!)

I've not gone to the level of file sharing yet, but I'm just surprised why both computers can't even Ping each other.

They're both on the same subnet, and the IP addresses for both are dynamically assigned by the SMC Barricade router.

My guess would be the firewall settings on both computers. Will try to play with the settings...

Disabling the firewall is not an option as there're too many loonies out there... :D

[Dirge]

What protocols have you enabled for your your network cards?

[simonb]

Protocols - you should only need TCP/IP.

As for setting the rest up, they ought to be able to ping each other. Maybe the firewall on each of them is blocking pings?

Similarly, you'll need to make sure that windows sharing things can get through the firewall - for safety, you'll probably want to only allow it for whatever your subnet is at home.

As for domain logins, you can force the login domain to be the local machine by putting COMPUTERNAME/ (hostname, backslash) in front of the username when you login. i.e. if your computer is "thehost" and your username is "fred", then login as "thehost\fred" with your normal password.

So, you should be able to share stuff, but you'll just need to make sure that the appropriate stuff can get through the firewalls.

[garf]

hey guys...thanks for all your suggestions.. i've fixed the problem! indeed it was the firewall that is blocking all the icmp requests. once i've configured the firewall to accept all traffic within the "home network", enabling the share on Windows was a breeze.

:D