File sharing on home network?

Lil' help?

Bought a laptop last week to help me get work done while still being able to get out of the house.

I needed it to
1) connect to my desktop computer to share files between the two.

2) connect to the internet via wireless router, from 30 feet away.

After everything was set up, I could connect to the interweb without issue. But I could not access any files. And when I tried to get online from my deck, it showed a "strong" connection, but I could not get online.

So, 0/2.

What I did; went through every help file on the subject and followed all instructions. No luck. Went through every online tutorial I could find, and followed all solutions. No love.

Went to Staples and talked to a less than helpful rep who appeared to have no clue and certainly had no answer.

I opted to buy a new router, since the old one seemed to have a wireless range of 10 feet. It had other issues too, so an upgrade was a good thing.

New router is set up and both computers are online. This time, I can surf from my deck.

1/2 ain't bad, but file sharing is very important.

So, whoever managed to read all that and knows about networking, can ya help a brother out?

Desktop - Vista Home Basic 32
Laptop - Vista Home Premium 64
Router - Lynksys. Type G.
Network Type - Secure WPA2
Workgroup is the same.
Network the same.
Can see each other on Network Map (no connection between each other).
Can access internet.
Windows Firewall - On. But I tried off as well.
Shared files/folders - Yes, set to Everyone Co-Owner. Also tried Guest.

I work with computers networking with servers all the time. Easy peasy. Connecting to each other wirelessly, not so much.

Thanks eh!

Myles

Silly me thinking it would be natural to want to share files between computers on your own network.

Hmm...are your user accounts on both PC's pasword protected? I know when I first set up file sharing across my network that file sharing in Vista refused to work if I was on a PC where the user account had no password. Something to do with UAC.

Did you check you network and sharing settings?
Should be:
Network Discovery - ON
File Sharing - ON
Public Folder Sharing - ON

That's all I can think of based on my own setup. I have 4 Laptops (1 XP, 2 Vista 64bit, 1 Vista 32bit/Windows7) and my desktop (Vista 32bit) all sharing on the same network wirelessly with no problems. Something sounds strange with your problem.

Thanks.

Not only do they both have log on user/pass assigned, I event went so far as to set user/pass the same for both. As one of the online suggestions was to do this to ",ake it easy". Still no love.

No errors either, it just does not work.

Try them both wired just to see if that works....at least you could narrow it down to a wired vs. wireless problem.

Can you see the shared folders on each machine but just can't access? Or you can't even see them? Do your public folders share at all? What brand of router/model? Perhaps there maybe something in your hardware firewall that needs enabling/disabling?

Maybe someone with more technical knowledge can chime in....

grumpyrom wrote:Try them both wired just to see if that works....at least you could narrow it down to a wired vs. wireless problem.

Can you see the shared folders on each machine but just can't access? Or you can't even see them? Do your public folders share at all? What brand of router/model? Perhaps there maybe something in your hardware firewall that needs enabling/disabling?

Maybe someone with more technical knowledge can chime in....

I will wire them up in the morning and check.


Wirelessly, they can see each other only in the network map. Cannot access each other, cannot see shared folders.

Looks similar to my map. Sorry but I can't figure out what your problem is. I know there's a few peeps on here with more technical knowledge than me but none seem to be chiming in. Sorry.

Wish I new.
I did not put it there, but it has always been there since I started.
It too is "unclickable" so I cannot even tell you what it is.

Maybe the peeps not chiming in don't know. Or... are away this long weekend. Hang tight, I'll bet someone will have the answer...

Did you set your folders to actually be shared on the network?

Many people try to setup networks and create the network, but unless file sharing is turned on, and specific folders are identified as being "shared" you won't see them. ESPECIALLY with Vista.

Vistas networking even lets you have files within a shared folder that aren't shared (ie. hidden) when across the network).

As far as I know, yes.
I right clicked, chose Share, set users to Everyone > Co-Owner.

Cannot see folders or files from one comp to the other.

Will try the wired connection shortly and post the results.

First step in trouble shooting would be to eliminate all the extra stuff that gets in the way...boil this problem down to the main components.

Start by disabling the Windows Firewall on all your PC's and Laptops. If you feel insecure, then you could disconnect the internet connection to your firewall/router in the mean time. Just remember to connect it back when your finished.

Next step is to make sure all your network protocols and settings are set on each of the network cards connecting to your network. Make sure in the properties of each network card, that "Client for Microsoft Networks" and "File and Print Shearing" are enabled.

Next, I would check your public folder sharing settings....some times that needs to be set to "full control" so anyone on the network can make changes/add files/delete etc.

Start with that....

Here's a pic of the settings for your network adapters:
[don't worry about the virtual machine network service]

If your not using IPV6, it's safe to disable it

Thanks.

I have set up sharing folders and the Max permission I can set is Co-owner, ANd the laptop does not appear as a user in list, so I choose guest and Everyone.


Network Card on the PC has everything checked, as does the laptop.

Laptop:


Desktop


Tried to connect the laptop directly to the router, still no love. Internet works, but no shared files.

Here's one thing to consider...though you have the smarts to have not done it.

"Quick-clicking" has ruined many-a-computer. Meaning some popup somewhere came up asking if you wanted to allow a change, and out of habit or not reading the popup, you clicked "no"...which triggered a setting that turns off the sharing...and the only way to turn it on is to reset defaults, or find that popup program and change the setting again.

I only mention it, because I've done it myself...and it creates a HUGE headache trying to troubleshoot it.

I've heard Vista has issues with networking in general though. Did you use the Network Wizard to set it up initially? That might help.

This networking sh1t is kicking my ass.

When I got the new router I followed all set guides and wizards to set it up on the desktop, the the wizard to connect a wireless device using removable drive.

I have run out of options, any suggestions of other "wizards" to try?
Even some software that will allow me to do what I should already be able to do?

invite airt over for some gin

Have you called the router tech support?

Have you given it that certain kick or hit . Just the right word.

Typically speaking...the first directions I give to users who want to set up their own routers, is to toss the install CD, the one with a huge sticker on it saying "run me first" in the trash.

You don't need it.

It's dead simple to setup a new router....plug it in, and connect to it using your internet browser. The default IP address, is usually written on the back of the router/firewall/switch....plug that in your browser and you should be good to do (with the default user name and pw)

Seriously, one of my co-workers used the install wizard cd that came with his new router....mistake. It took 5 minutes to wreck his network stack, and the next 45 minutes to an hour to fix it...and this is a tech who's been in the business for over 25 years! (of course, after 25 years one would figure he knew better...but he's not usually on the network side of things)

Rule # 1 with new routers....don't use the install CD!

My solution to this was to buy an 8GB Flash Drive.
And I am wondering why I did not get one years ago.

I take it with me everywhere, so I always have access to every file I need.
WAY better than just sharing files on my 2 computers @ home.

"My solution to this was to buy an 8GB Flash Drive.
And I am wondering why I did not get one years ago."

heh,

Could always call in a tech.....they would be more than happy/willing to look at issues such as this....

So long as you pay'em.

True, but this is the best option.
I have been using email for years to send files back and forth to myself as I use 4 different computers @ 2 locations. This way, I always have my files with me.
Like I said, wish I did it years ago.

MrMyles wrote:My solution to this was to buy an 8GB Flash Drive.
And I am wondering why I did not get one years ago

Cause only 2 years ago an 8Gb Flash Drive cost more than $100.

Today, you can find them for under $30.

I actually just saw an ad for an 8Gb for $15, and a 16Gb for $30.

The only thing to watch...is some "older" computers, and devices (especially cameras) won't recognize the larger drives, or they make you have sub-folders in order to store files.

Same applies for cards (SD/Sony/etc.)

If your using pen drives for critical data and such, I would highly recommend you encrypt the entire pen drive.

That way, if it gets lost, your data may be deleted, but no one will have it.

(you can encrypt any pen drive...lots of free tools available as well)
http://www.truecrypt.org/