Topic: Windows XP Network File Sharing

[mattmiller]

I recently wiped out my desktop hard drive (not by choice) and am slowly re-establishing all of my software and settings.  This desktop runs Win XP Pro, and I "formerly" had a wireless network over which I could access any of the files on the desktop with either my wife's or my laptop.  I say "formerly" because I'm having the same problem now that I had several years ago when I originally set it up, and I can't remember how I did it (and can't find the solution on the web).  Both laptops also run Win XP Pro, and I am able to access the C drive of the desktop, but cannot access the My Documents folder (or the Program Files folder, for that matter, but that's not what I care about).  Step 1, I know, was to disable Simple File Sharing on the desktop, which I did.  I then shared the entire C drive, and set EVERYONE to FULL CONTROL.  Yet, when I connect with the laptop, it won't let me into the My Documents folder.  For the heck of it, I shared the My Documents folder too (although I think the permissions should be inherited from the entire C drive share).  Same thing -- with EVERYONE set to FULL CONTROL, I can't access it.  I remember that the way I fixed it previously was to change a value from 0 to 1 (or vice versa) in the registry.  However, I can't remember what registry key it was in, and the only thing I can find on the web is a reference to the key that toggles Simple File Sharing on or off.  That part is already taken care of.  Anybody know what the problem might be?  All of my downloaded music is in that folder, and I'd like to be able to access it remotely.

[boyacrobat]

right click-properties-sharing

g

[mattmiller]

right click-properties-sharing

g

I realize that.  It's not working, as described above.

[OFOTD]

I assume you are running a WORKGROUP at home?

Have you set all of your machines to the same workgroup or domain?

Have you enabled file sharing in the firewall settings?

Why share you entire C: drive and not just sharing your documents?   

Never ever a good idea to share your root directory across a network.

[rastasean]

start >run > \\computername >enter this will work if youre using something like a router.

[Ziggz]

hklm\system\currentcontrolset\control\lsa\restrictanonymous

Funnily enough my home LAN just won't talk anymore either. I think the latest ESET version screwed it up. Other machines talk fine, but my main PC doesn't want to know, in or out.

[mattmiller]

hklm\system\currentcontrolset\control\lsa\restrictanonymous

Funnily enough my home LAN just won't talk anymore either. I think the latest ESET version screwed it up. Other machines talk fine, but my main PC doesn't want to know, in or out.

I checked, and this is already set to 0 (disabled).  And just to clarify, I CAN connect to the desktop and browse files.  Just NOT the contents of the My Documents folder and the Windows folder.  Basically, it seems I'm blocked from the normal places that "Simple File Sharing" is designed to block (in favor of the Shared Docs folder).  But I have Simple File Sharing turned OFF, which should let me share anything I want.  And I have, as far as I can tell.  Screencap attached.

[rastasean]

so create a folder on the desktop, share it, and move the my doc contents into it. can you then see and access that?

[mattmiller]

UPDATE:  I can access all the folders using my work laptop (I just tried it for the first time).  My wife's laptop is the one that cannot access the My Documents folder.  Prior to reinstalling the OS, we both could access all the files with no problems.

This makes me scratch my head even more.  Why does my desktop care WHO is trying to access the My Documents folder, when I have it set for EVERYONE to have full control.

[rastasean]

the troubled machine can also access all data on the other two computers?

[H₂O]

As mentioned above make sure filesharing is open on the win xp firewall under the security settings.  From what I remember the firewall is added when sp2 or above is applied and it doesn't integrate as well as vista or 7

[mattmiller]

the troubled machine can also access all data on the other two computers?

Never tried that -- we only require the ability to access our personal files on the desktop while using our laptops downstairs via the wireless network.  Never the reverse.

As mentioned above make sure filesharing is open on the win xp firewall under the security settings.  From what I remember the firewall is added when sp2 or above is applied and it doesn't integrate as well as vista or 7

File sharing is listed as an "exception" in the Windows Firewall settings.

[H₂O]

Check to see if netbios over tcp/ip is enabled

It's under the networking settings tcp/ip advanced settings

[EarlyMorningRain]

are all of these machines running the same Service Pack?

[todd e]

does your wifes computer have a password?  if there is no require pswd upon login, you may not be able to been seen

[mattmiller]

are all of these machines running the same Service Pack?

Yes, they are all XP SP3.

does your wifes computer have a password?  if there is no require pswd upon login, you may not be able to been seen

Hers does not require a password.  But the problem isn't trying to access her laptop -- it's her laptop being able to access our primary desktop.  It can see the files, and browse everything on the C drive except for any of the User folders in the My Documents folders (and the Windows folder).

Thanks for all of the suggestions.  I've been slow to respond because I've had other issues pop up, and in the meantime I've just been putting any files that she needs access to in the root C folder on the desktop.

[rastasean]

I would try creating a new windows profile on the troubled machine and see if the data can be accessed from the two computers. if they can, try re-creating your old windows profile and see what happens.