Question:
I have 3 computers, all running XP Home, connected to a home network via plug in net adapters. All computers can connect to the interrnet ok, via COMPUTER1.
The problem is when I try to see files on COMPUTER1, from COMPUTER2 or COMPUTER3, I get a "password dialog box" come up. I do not believe I have a password on this computer. Anyway I have tried all the obvious ones I might have used. Nothing works.
Also COMPUTERS2 & 3 do not seem to be able to communicate with the printer attached to COMPUTER1
The network hardware appears to be working ok as they seem to be able to "ping" each other. The network used to work ok in the past.
Any ideas please?
Martin
Answers:
Have you run the File & Print Sharing Wizard on each machine?
Answers:
Yes. Several times. Still no Joy
Answers:
Have you made sure the Workgroup name is the same on each machine?
Do you have any software firewalls setup on any of the machines?
Answers:
Yes the Workgroup name is the same for all 3 computers. I used the default MSHOME. Openning up the workgroup folder all computers can be seen. Its just when I try to look at COMPUTER1s files from either of the other 2 I get the Password box come up.
Also forgot to mention some folders & printer set for sharing on COMPUTER1
Answers:
you could try
start, run, cmd
net use x: \\computer1\c$ /user:administrator
or
net use x: \\computer1\c /user:administrator
replacing computer1 with it's real name.
Answers:
Is the 'File and Printer Sharing' box ticked in the Windows Firewall Exception tab?
Does your Shared Documents Folder and Shared Printer have a hand icon underneath it?
Is the Guest Account enabled on Computer1?
Answers:
do you have the same usernames and passwords on each machine?
Answers:
I do not appear to have a Guest Account on COMPUTER1. Could this be the problem?
How do I recreate a Guest Account?
Answers:
File and printer sharing box is ticked in Windows firewall
Shared documents and shared printer do have the shared hand underneath
Answers:
In User Accounts (available from Control Panel-User Accounts) the Guest account is off by default. However this setting only applies to the ability to log on the local computer using the Guest account. Simple file sharing relies on guest access to shared folders and printers. To verify that the Guest account is active for network access, do the following:
1. Log on to Windows XP with an administrator account.
2. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then press ENTER.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type net user guest, and then press ENTER.
4. If the account is active, a line appears in the output of the command that states Account active Yes.
5. If the account is not active, type net user guest /active:yes and then press ENTER.
6. Type exit and press ENTER to close the Command Prompt window.
Answers:
Martyboy
The reason you are asked for a password is that computer1 does not recognise the user on computer2 and computer3. To fix this, first of all find out the username and password for the user on computer2 and computer3. Let us assume that the users are user2 and user3. You now need to create user2 and user3 on computer1 (with associated password, if there is one).
I'm assuming that you have enabled File and Printer sharing anyway.
Hope this helps.
Bagger
Answers:
Hi oldblueeyes
This is what it returned:
Cannot load VDM IPX/SPX support
Microsoft(R) Windows DOS
(C)Copyright Microsoft Corp 1990-2001.
C:\DOCUME~1\DAD>net user guest
User name Guest
Full Name
Comment Built-in account for guest access to the computer/d
omain
User's comment
Country code 000 (System Default)
Account active Yes
Account expires Never
Password last set 5/20/2006 10:53 AM
Password expires 7/2/2006 9:41 AM
Password changeable 5/20/2006 10:53 AM
Password required No
User may change password Yes
Workstations allowed All
Logon script
User profile
Home directory
Last logon 6/29/2006 6:20 PM
Logon hours allowed All
Local Group Memberships *Guests
Global Group memberships *None
The command completed successfully.
Looks like the the account is active I think. Though it does not show anywhere in the "User Accounts" box in control panel
Answers:
Can you see Computer1's Shared Folders from Computer1?
Click Start, click Run, type \\computername (where computername is the name of another computer on the network), and then press ENTER. A window opens that contains an icon for each shared folder on the computer.
Can you post a Network log?
To open the log, click Start, click Run, type %SystemRoot%\nsw.log, and then press ENTER.
Answers:
Hi Bagger
I have logged on as the same user on all 3 computers, with the same password, but I am still unable to communicate with Computer1 or able or send printing to the printer attached to it.
Thanks anyway
Answers:
The only line that stands out in your Guest Account log is:
User may change password Yes.
Try resetting the password on the Guest Account.
1. Click Start | Run.
2. Type "control userpasswords2" in the box and click OK:
3. Click Guest.
4. Click Reset Password.
5. Click OK without entering a new password.
Answers:
Hi oldblueeyes
Here is the network log. Hope this helps.
Network Setup Wizard Log
Attempting to set computer name
Old computer name is the same as new computer name - not setting.
Setting server description (comment): Dining Room
Attempting to set workgroup name
Workgroup name set: MSHOME
Will attempt to share public connection.
Will attempt to firewall public connection.
USB ADSL WAN Adapter Shared Public for ICS configuration.
Windows Firewall Enabled on USB ADSL WAN Adapter.
Local Area Connection 4 Shared Private for ICS configuration.
Shared Printer: Canon iP4200
Reboot is required for changes to take effect.
Re. your 3.03PM post
I do not have a "guest", in my user account box, so I am not able to reset the password
Answers:
Your 'Shared Documents' folder should appear in the network log.
Since it doesn't I can only assume it isn't being shared. Have you rebooted at any stage? If not turn off Computer1 and then turn on again.
Answers:
Hi oldblueeyes,
Cannot tell you why the shared documents folder does not appear, as it is a shared folder on my pc (computer1).
I have re booted (again), Computers 2 & 3 still unable to communicate with computer1, still asking for password.
Thanks anyway
Answers:
Sorry I couldn't help further. One final thing to try: Unshare the 'Shared Documents' folder on Computer1, then Reboot and set it to share again. It may just reset it.