Help in setting up or re-working Home Network between a New Vista Machine and an Old XP Machine and to Share One Printer (From XP) - Re-Submittal Question

Have you downloaded and installed the LLTD (Link Layer Topology Discovery Responder) on the XP machines?  Without that, the Vista machines will not see the XP machines in the View full map link of Network & Sharing Center:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=4F01A31D-EE46-481E-BA11-37F485FA34EA&displaylang=en

Same workgroup for all pcs?  Actually sharing something, rather than just file sharing turned on?  Same users and passwords entered on all pcs?  Network discovery on?

You might be interested in looking at this question which I asked not long ago, when I was having trouble setting up my home network with XP machines and Vista in it.  It mentions all of the things needed for a wireless network with XP and Vista in it:

http://www.experts-exchange.com/OS/Microsoft_Operating_Systems/Windows/Windows_Vista/Q_22772074.html

In setting up my home network, I found I had to turn off the firewalls temporarily before trying to see the Vista machine in the XP My Network Places, then turn the firewall back on once it succeeded.  See this page:

http://www.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/2007/04/09/vista-networking-problems-try-this/

The following page has a quite good treatment of File and Printer Sharing in Vista, complete with screenshots:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx
File and Printer Sharing in Windows Vista

Another good article:

http://www.howtonetworking.com/vista/sharingfolders.htm
How to share files from a folder on Windows Vista

By the way, the questioner's Previously Answered Question was this one, apparently:

http://www.experts-exchange.com/Networking/Windows_Networking/9x/Q_24486534.html
Setup a Home Network w/ 2 Desktops - via Netgear - 1 XP & 1-Vista

"... I can intermittently see a DASUBERCOMPUTER NETWORK ..." ==>  If you don't have a PC with the name "DASUBERCOMPUTER" then you may indeed have a neighbor who's on the MSHOME network and is "sharing" your internet connection with you :-)    That's one reason I suggested you use a workgroup name of your own.

As I noted in your last question, be sure to disable (or better yet, uninstall) ALL 3rd party firewall products you may have -- Norton, Symantec, McAfee, etc.

As for "starting over" => first, post the details I asked you for in the last comment I made in your other question (post them here so we can keep the discussion in the same thread).

The Link Layer Topology Discovery Responder Lee Tutor noted is worth installing; but it will only install on XP SP2.   If you've already installed SP3, it won't install ==> there are some (moderately complex) workarounds ... but I'd just not bother for now (it doesn't keep the network from working -- it just lets you see it graphically).

Post the details for the questions I asked in the other thread and we'll continue the discussion and get your network working :-)

Hello:

This MAY be a little difficult to follow...  I'll do my best

These comments below are from my first time asking this questrion...  I am posting again per request, plus it's only logical... I will label each paragraph:

#1 MY Initial question... (Primary Paragraph with Initial Question)

Both systems are up to date with all Windows software for each OS.  

Which should be the host if one is needed?  Vista or XP -or- no difference?

... I must have access from the Vista to the XP's files, (program data too) plus the printer.   Keep in mind that I am a novice at networks...

ACCEPTED ANSWER:

You're making this seem too complicated :-)

First, since both machines are seeing the Internet with no problem through your router, you clearly have DHCP enabled -- so don't worry about the details [It's simply a protocol that assigns an address to each PC -- but if it wasn't enabled, your internet wouldn't be working].

Second, don't worry about the technical networking parameters -- you (a) don't need to adjust them; and (b) if you did change them you could mess things up.

Do the following:

(1)  On the XP machine, right-click on My Computer;  select Properties;  click on the Computer Name tab;  click the Change button;  give your PC a name (e.g. "George's XP System");  be sure Workgroup is checked; and assign a workgroup name (e.g. "Malvars").   Then click OK and do a reboot.

(2)  On the Vista machine, right-click on Computer;  select Properties; click on "Advanced system settings";  click the Computer Name tab;  click Change;  assign a name (e.g. "George's Vista System");  be sure Workgroup is checked; assign the SAME name you used in step 1;  click OK; and reboot.

(3)  On the XP system, open Windows Explorer and navigate to a folder you want to share (any folder will do);  right-click; select Sharing and Security; click on "If you understand the security risks but want to share files without running the wizard, click here";  check the "Just enable file sharing" box in the window that pops up; and click OK.   Then check the "Share this folder on the network" box in the next window;  give the shared folder a network share name (it will default to the folder name, but you can change it); check the "Allow network users to change my files" box if you want to be able to do that (generally you do);  click on Apply; then OK.

(4)  On the Vista system, open Windows Explorer and navigate to a folder you want to share (any folder will do);  right-click; select Share;  in the windows that opens there is an "Add" drop-down list -- select "Everyone" from this list and click Add.    Now click on Share.   Then click on Done.

Reboot both systems -- and you should now be able to "see" the other system in Windows Explorer (just click on Network).    Assuming this is working okay, sharing the printer is just about as easy -- the only issue is you may need to update your driver (to version 6.5a) if you're not already using the current version (which works with both XP and Vista).

 #3 After thinking I had it resolved:

I have a little problem and I may have closed this a little too soon...  

I still cannot see the folders (MY Documents, etc) from the XP machine on my Vista (window's explorer files and folders anywhere)  When I click on Networks there are two networks (one is explained below) but the new one has three empty folders... I do see the GreenStar-PC Network (which is the name and what I used when we set up Netgear but see nothing inside except for three folders that appear to be 'self-created'... One says Public, another User and the third folder says Printers. They are all empty.

There are other folders in the C drive that came with the Vista (not under the Network Icon), but in the C: path that are in a Folder called PUBLIC that have five sub-folders like Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, etc... These are all empty too. I am sorry but I think I need more help on the Folder Issue again on Vista AND the XP machine (and a little more).  But... still no Network seeing each other or printer.

ONE MORE URGENT MATTER

I never mentioned. There is a another Network that opens when I click on the Network Icon in Windows Explorer. (I thought I could simply delete it because it could be a wireless from a neighbor's house or something)  It's empty with no folders and when I click on it, I get an error that says it cannot Access that network called "DASUBERCOMPUTER" - How do I get rid of it?

In short, I cannot see the folders from one to the other... I need a little more info on the Folders you mention above? Do create new folders?  (Vista has a few already created)  XP does not, - Again, should I create a "public" folder in the XP?   Can I simply set folders like My Documents and My Pictures to be shared?  If so, why can't I see them from Vista?
FINALLY _  

I cannot see the PRINTER that is connected by USB to the XP - I clicked on SHARE on the printer file.  Vista is saying there are no printers to be found.  It's an Epson CX8400 Printer/Copier/Scanner ... Do I install the Epson Software into the Vista even though it's not connected by a cable?

I am so sorry for adding this but I went ahead after the accepted answer and assumed all would work just right, but I am missing something.

Reply From garycase - after closing question one...

Before you do anything else, turn off both systems AND your router.    Leave the router unplugged for at least a full minute;  then plug it back in; and then turn on your systems.   If everything's set correctly (it probably isn't with all the "fiddling" you've done, but try this anyway), that may resolve the problem you're having. If not,  then on the XP system, go to Control Panel - Network Connections;  right-click on your network; click on Properties; and be sure you have Client for Microsoft Networks; File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks; and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) listed in the top area (there may be a couple others).   Highlight TCP/IP and click on Properties and be sure both "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are checked.
Now right-click on My Computer; select Properties; click on the Computer Name tab; click on Change; and post EXACTLY what is shown for "Computer Name" and for the Workgroup name (and be sure Workgroup is checked).    I wouldn't use "MSHOME" -- use something more unique for your workgroup name [e.g. "Malvars"]....I will try to do this NOW

E  N  D  of  Question One Update:  I hope that brings more info into play.

In short, my next step is this:

I am going to try to start from scratch based on what I see here if everyone agrees.  I will start by naming the NETWORK and each computer over again.

I already have XP-SP-3 so I can't do the Link Layer Update. I have already assigned folders from both systems with sharing. I have followed everything from here but cannot see the XP files or My Documents from the Vista and Vice Versa...

PLUS:  I still cannot see the printer or add it as a Network Printer.  However, I am going to try once more to begin from square one.  

However: If anyone can decipher all of this and wants to send a new line by line solution again, I will follow it.  Somehow I think I may have one or two small things that I am not doing because there may be an assumption that I know more than I really know, especially about networking and all of the related steps and terms... Sadly, I have NEVER dona a network in 20 years using computers!  Let's try this again

I am eternally grateful to all of you and I beg for your patience and understanding...  

By the way, the initial question is here:    http://www.experts-exchange.com/Networking/Windows_Networking/9x/Q_24486534.html

THANK YOU ALL!

George Malvar

FreedomWatchdog and GreenStar Alliance!

Hi Folks;

It's nearly 4:00 AM...

I am going crazy.

I followed everything to a tee again.

I names my Vista MALVAR-VISTA and my XP is MALVAR-XP and named the workgroup MALVARGROUP.

I double checks on about ten folders from each machine that I set up for sharing, including My Documents folders which have a dozen subfolders and those are also shared,

I REBOOTED!

I can see Malvargroup under NETWORK on the XP Windows Explorer (there are three folders under the Network Icon.  One is "Microsoft Terminal Services" (there is nothing in that) the other is Web Client Network (nothing in that either) but in the middle there is the Microsoft Windows Network and when I click on that (or expand it) I see Malvargroup Icon (three small monitors on the icon) When I try to expand it to see below, or click on it to see what's inside on the left side of Windows Explorer I get this error: Malvargroup is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this Network Resource. The list of servers for this workgroup is not currently available,  SO... I stuck out on the XP>

On the Vista, I see different Icons in Windows Explorer.

Under Networks I actually see both system's icons and their names ... I can see MALVAR-VISTA with all the shared folders I created for the VISTA underneath and accessible.  HOWEVER, under that I can see MALVAR-XP, but that one is not working and I get the error that says Windows cannot access Malvar-XP Check Spelling or there may be a problem with your network.

Anyone have a solution?  I turned Firewalls off and then on... I do not have any firewall software (I use AShampoo Antivirus which is very basic and I have nothing else that is unique.

I also have these hardwired into the Netgear rather than wireless because I don;t have a wireless card on the XP so they both are on the Netgear with USB cables.  This was allowed according to Netgear. so it's actually a system for both types (wireless and hardwired)

Any other thoughts?  I hope we have a miracle worker because I am getting frustrated and more and more desperate  this is a new business and a few years of documents MUST be accessed from both systems and I can't keep swapping with eMails ands zip drives back and forth...., Help!

I have to sleep.

Thank you!

nite nite!  

Do you have wireless security turned on on the netgear?

Did you create identically named accounts on the two computers with identical passwords?

BTW i do not recommend sharing with "everyone" esp. when you have computers you don't know showing up on your network.  The neighbor isn't sharing his network w/you because you're hardwired.  *You are sharing with him.*  Even if your neighbor is an incredibly kind and thoughful person, his viral infections may not be. :)

I names my Vista MALVAR-VISTA and my XP is MALVAR-XP and named the workgroup MALVARGROUP.

Okay, let's do this ONE step at a time (and you don't need to keep reposting the entire dialogue !! -- that just makes this thread excessively long ... and much harder to follow).

First, on the XP system, right-click on My Computer;  select Properties;  click the Computer Name tab;  press Alt-PrintScrn;  open the Paint program (Start - All Programs - Accessories - Pain); and select Edit-Paste.   Then save that as a .JPEG and attach it here.

Now do the same on the Vista system ==> right-click on Computer; select Properties; select Advanced system settings; click on Computer Name; etc.    ... and attach it here as well.

Just want to be CERTAIN those settings look okay.

Now on the XP system go to Control Panel - Network Connections.   Be sure that window is highlighted and do an Alt-PrtScrn for it -- save it in Paint, and attach it here.

There's more I want to see ... but first post those three pictures.

One thought ... r.e. "... I double checks on about ten folders from each machine that I set up for sharing, including My Documents folders which have a dozen subfolders and those are also shared ..."  ==>  Don't share everything !!   Just share those specific folders you actually need to.    There are also issues that can be tricky to overcome when you share the drive's root (the whole drive) in Vista that you won't have when just sharing a folder (but that's another topic).

Questions;

We have no login and passwords that we saw anywhere.  Each PC has only one user so we opted out of user accounts on Windows.  As for Netgear or network, this never came up/

Where so I see the log in?  Neither one is asked to login to the network - could this be the problem?

Here's the Vista - The XP almost exact except for names - Did you see my question about login?

Do you still need XP? I'll send it from that one (I cant access it from here yet (obviously)

I added old text because I thought that's what you DID want.  I am sorry.

George

I just spent an hour re-writing a few details and my power surged and I lost it all...  My luck!

Here's the summary:

I have Internet connection with BOTH systems through the Netgear... No problem there.

I named each computer - Malvar-XP and Malvar-Vista... One appears system in CAPS and the other doesn't (is that an issue?)  I don't think I used caps lock, but if I did on the naming of each or the other, will that hurt?  Do it again?

I named the network Malvargroup (same issue with CAPS - XP shows it with Caps XP does not ?  do it again? with NO caps anywhere?

I clicked on seven to ten folders (or so) from each system and put them on "Share" and "Allow others to change"

In Windows Explorer: On the Vista, I see both network system names MALVAR-VISTA with the sub folders below and MALVAR-XP but when I click on that one it gives me the misspelling or wrong configuration error and I see nothing at all below it (folders from XP shared)
On the XP, I see Microsoft Windows Network and I see "malvargroup" network icon below (three monitor icon) but when I click on it I get the error that it cannot access that network (see above comment in another box above)  I do not see anything else.

On printer?

I cannot add a printer or a network printer because Vista says it cannot find any.  I have Printer Shared on my XP printer settings.

Finally, on Vista I noticed that there are some real weird configurations on the Firewall - I saw where some of the settings were disabled which seemed wrong to me.  On Inbound and Outbound one says "Connect to  Network Projector (a few just like this, same name with a slight difference) but all were off and not allowed. Should I Totally turn off Vista's Firewall, or is there a list of selective settings that I need to enable (printers were also off on the Inbound and Outbound. I could not find a setting like on XP where you can allow it to allow a Network...  When I turned off Firewalls before I was getting errors on boot saying I was unsafe...  I can shut them both off, but how am I protected in that case.  There are a dozen settings on VISTA that I do not understand if I should allow or leave as is.

That's it...

Can you comeback with a little more to get me running.  I am still desperate.

Thank you so very much!)

Turn the firewall off on both systems -- just in case you have some setting that's interfering with the network settings.

On the Vista system, go to Control Panel -  Network and Sharing Center;  click on "View status" for your network connection;  click on Properties;  and list everything that's shown in the "This connection uses the following items" box.   (or just capture the screen and post it)

On the XP system, go to Control Panel - Network Connections;  right-click on the Network connection and select Properties; and do the same (list everything shown in the "This connection uses the following items" box.

There are several detail settings within those I'd like to see ... but first let's see what all the components are on both systems.

One other item ==>  do a screen capture of the Network and Sharing Center screen that shows all of the settings currently shown in the bottom section labeled "Sharing and Discovery"

Hello again;

I can't thank you enough!

I wish there was a way to do more for you...

Here are the images...

I couln't find a way to do a Save as picture to My Pictures from an emailed picture on Outlook Express! I only got the option to copy! Odd!

Here's the ones from the XP plus an extra one showing my windows explorer view (ignore the error, I think it's from the line below Network by mistake)

 

Okay, in the Network Properties windows, highlight TPC/IP on both XP and Vista (v4 in Vista), and do a Properites.   Confirm that both OS's are set for automatic IP and DNS addressing.

Then, on both systems, do a Start - Run - CMD  and in that window type "IPCONFIG /All >C:\IPCXP.txt" for the XP system and  "IPCONFIG /All >C:\IPCVista.txt" for the Vista system.    Then post the two .txt files here.

This is the text for the Vista Command Text:
Microsoft Windows [Version 6.0.6001]
Copyright (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation.  All rights reserved.

C:\Users\George Malvar>IPCONFIG /all.c:\ipcvista.txt

Error: unrecognized or incomplete command line.

USAGE:
    ipconfig [/allcompartments] [/? | /all |
                                 /renew [adapter] | /release [adapter] |
                                 /renew6 [adapter] | /release6 [adapter] |
                                 /flushdns | /displaydns | /registerdns |
                                 /showclassid adapter |
                                 /setclassid adapter [classid] ]

where
    adapter             Connection name
                       (wildcard characters * and ? allowed, see examples)

    Options:
       /?               Display this help message
       /all             Display full configuration information.
       /allcompartments Display information for all compartments.
       /release         Release the IPv4 address for the specified adapter.
       /release6        Release the IPv6 address for the specified adapter.
       /renew           Renew the IPv4 address for the specified adapter.
       /renew6          Renew the IPv6 address for the specified adapter.
       /flushdns        Purges the DNS Resolver cache.
       /registerdns     Refreshes all DHCP leases and re-registers DNS names
       /displaydns      Display the contents of the DNS Resolver Cache.
       /showclassid     Displays all the dhcp class IDs allowed for adapter.
       /setclassid      Modifies the dhcp class id.

The default is to display only the IP address, subnet mask and
default gateway for each adapter bound to TCP/IP.

For Release and Renew, if no adapter name is specified, then the IP address
leases for all adapters bound to TCP/IP will be released or renewed.

For Setclassid, if no ClassId is specified, then the ClassId is removed.

Examples:
    > ipconfig                       ... Show information
    > ipconfig /all                  ... Show detailed information
    > ipconfig /renew                ... renew all adapters
    > ipconfig /renew EL*            ... renew any connection that has its
                                         name starting with EL
    > ipconfig /release *Con*        ... release all matching connections,
                                         eg. "Local Area Connection 1" or
                                             "Local Area Connection 2"
    > ipconfig /allcompartments      ... Show information about all
                                         compartments
    > ipconfig /allcompartments /all ... Show detailed information about all
                                         compartments

C:\Users\George Malvar>

This is the one for XP:

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.
 
C:\Documents and Settings\Callava Pares>
C:\Documents and Settings\Callava Pares>ipconfig/all.c:\ipcxp.txt
 
Error: unrecongnized or incomplete command line.
 
USAGE:
    ipconfig [/? | /all | /renew [adapter] | /release [adapter] |
              /flushdns | /displaydns | /registerdns |
              /showclassid adapter |
              /setclassid adapter [classid] ]
 
where
    adapter         Connection name
                   (wildcard characters * and ? allowed, see examples)
 
    Options:
       /?           Display this help message
       /all         Display full configuration information.
       /release     Release the IP address for the specified adapter.
       /renew       Renew the IP address for the specified adapter.
       /flushdns    Purges the DNS Resolver cache.
       /registerdns Refreshes all DHCP leases and re-registers DNS names
       /displaydns  Display the contents of the DNS Resolver Cache.
       /showclassid Displays all the dhcp class IDs allowed for adapter.
       /setclassid  Modifies the dhcp class id.
 
The default is to display only the IP address, subnet mask and
default gateway for each adapter bound to TCP/IP.
 
For Release and Renew, if no adapter name is specified, then the IP address
leases for all adapters bound to TCP/IP will be released or renewed.
 
For Setclassid, if no ClassId is specified, then the ClassId is removed.
 
Examples:
    > ipconfig                   ... Show information.
    > ipconfig /all              ... Show detailed information
    > ipconfig /renew            ... renew all adapters
    > ipconfig /renew EL*        ... renew any connection that has its
                                     name starting with EL
    > ipconfig /release *Con*    ... release all matching connections,
                                     eg. "Local Area Connection 1" or
                                         "Local Area Connection 2"
 
C:\Documents and Settings\Callava Pares>ipconfig/all>c:\ipcxp.txt
 
C:\Documents and Settings\Callava Pares>ipconfig /all>c:\ipcxp.txt
 
C:\Documents and Settings\Callava Pares>


I don't know if the CMD cam out right.  I typed it in as follows  CMD (first)

Then, in my DOC window I typed:

IPCONFIG /ALL>C:\IPCXP.txt (no quotes and a space between IPCONFIG and /ALL - without the space i could not see anything... Same with Vista except for VISTA in lieu of XP ... Does it look to you like we didn't get what you wanted?  It seems that we still get some type of error do we? Or is this what you wanted to see?

I also added a few more images... I see in properties of TCP/IP that one is disabled...?

I thank you again!

Yes, the IPCONFIG commands weren't typed in right.  Also, you'll have to change slightly what you type in on the Vista computer or else you'll get the message ACCESS IS DENIED.  You might as well change it on the XP computer, too just to be consistent.

First, on the XP computer, when you are at your CMD prompt of:
C:\Documents and Settings\Callava Pares

type this:   ipconfig /all > ipcxp.txt

What you typed instead was this:
ipconfig/all.c:\ipcxp.txt

First, you typed . instead of >     And then I'm changing it to let the ipcxp.txt come out in your  C:\Documents and Settings\Callava Pares folder, instead of the root of C: by saying ipcxp.txt rather than c:\ipcxp.txt

You did similarly for Vista.  What you typed was:
IPCONFIG /all.c:\ipcvista.txt

What you should type is this:

ipconfig /all > ipcvista.txt

Again, I'm changing what garycase told you to type just so the ipcvista.txt file will be generated in your user profile folder,  C:\Users\George Malvar    What Gary told you would not work properly, either, because trying to put the file ipcvista.txt  in the C:\ root directory would be prohibited by some of Vista's new rules for where users and programs can store folders, and you would have gotten the message "Access is denied."

You didn't type the commands correctly.

You typed "IPCONFIG /all.c:\ipcvista.txt"

The correct command (as I posted before) is "IPCONFIG /All >C:\IPCVista.txt"

You missed the space after "/all" and the redirection symbol ">" before the "C:\IPCVista.txt"     If you type it correctly, it will work with no problem.    What this does is create a text file on C: that saves the output of the command.     You could also just type the command without any redirection ["IPCONFIG /All"] and then do a screen capture of the command window -- the redirection simply eliminates the need to do the screen captues, since the output will be in the C:\IPCVista.txt file.

You made the same mistake in the XP version.

Run the commands again and post the output.

Good catch Lee ==> hadn't thought about Vista balking at storing the output on C:
... in fact, I had run the command and it worked fine => but I have UAC disabled on my system.    Are you sure it won't work? ... or will it just give a UAC prompt?

I don't have UAC disabled, but am instead using TweakUAC.  And it gives ACCESS DENIED.

By the way, shame on you, Gary,  for disabling UAC.  I think that is part of the reason that I've never had any malware problems on my 2 and a half year old Vista machine, while I used to get problems all the time on my old XP machines...  Why don't you try TweakUAC instead?

I've also never had any malware problems ==> my system is VERY well protected.    I've tried TweakUAC ... indeed I've installed it on a few friend's PC's to mitigate the "nuisance" of UAC.    But I prefer to simply have it totally out of the way [and as a "somewhat knowledgable" user I don't think that's overly dangerous :-) ].    For example, in the case of this little redirection command, UAC doesn't just give a permissions prompt, but denies the function altogether.   I also have a couple of startup utilities that won't run with UAC enabled ... and TweakUAC won't help with those, since it's not active until you run it.

I DO, however, like the improvements they've made in Windows 7's UAC implementation ==> MUCH less of a nuisance.

Hello Gentlemen;

I tried every combination of the ipconfig and kept getting errors but below the error it gave me examples of what "could" be typed in...  What I did is below... and I think I got the right one... let me know:


C:\Documents and Settings\Callava Pares>ipconfig /all

Windows IP Configuration

        Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : Malvar-XP
        Primary Dns Suffix  . . . . . . . :
        Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
        IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

        Connection-specific DNS Suffix  . :
        Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection
        Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-13-20-1F-13-B5
        Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
        Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
        IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.2
        Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
        Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
        DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
        DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
        Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : June 22, 2009 8:26:02 AM
        Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : June 23, 2009 8:26:02 AM

C:\Documents and Settings\Callava Pares>

This is obviously the XP.

One note:

I brought over a laptop that belongs to my daughter and we went ahead and connected any available network, using the laptop's wireless capacity and we found the NETGEAR network! Voilà!  She was able to see the MALVAR-VISTA Computer PLUS We could access the Vista's Shared folders and documents!      -  Therefore... I think the problem is with the XP... Which is where ALL of the documents and files are that need to be accessed.  I hope the CMD text above will help.  (I did not get the Vista because I can't get that text over here to my XP)  If needed I'll send that too.

Thank you Soooo Much!

I WENT AHEAD and decided to send the Vissta from here (The Vista) so you can see them both... Remember, I can see the Malvar-Vista from a laptop connected to the Netgear Network (wireless) - The XP and Vista are hard wired by Ethernet cables (they are only ten feet from each other) - (as a last resort - maybe that's a way to network - with a hardwire, one to the other?)

Anyway:

Here's the Vista CMD using the only method I could... See my attaemp at the other commands:

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.0.6001]
Copyright (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation.  All rights reserved.

C:\Users\George Malvar>ipconfig /all >C:\ipconfig.txt
Access is denied.

C:\Users\George Malvar>ipconfig /all

Windows IP Configuration
   Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : Malvar-Vista
   Primary Dns Suffix  . . . . . . . :
   Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
   IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
   WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

   Connection-specific DNS Suffix  . :
   Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Marvell Yukon 88E8056 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller
   Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-19-21-56-FD-40
   DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
   Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
   Link-local IPv6 Address . . . . . : fe80::5467:2618:f8aa:27e4%10(Preferred)
   IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.4(Preferred)
   Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
   Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Monday, June 22, 2009 8:28:14 AM
   Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, June 23, 2009 8:28:14 AM
   Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
   DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
   DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
   NetBIOS over Tcpip. . . . . . . . : Enabled

Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 6:

   Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
   Connection-specific DNS Suffix  . :
   Description . . . . . . . . . . . : isatap.{C61EB6FB-93FA-43E4-A5C2-03B0C5F73F63}
   Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
   DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
   Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 11:

   Connection-specific DNS Suffix  . :
   Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
   Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 02-00-54-55-4E-01
   DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
   Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
   IPv6 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 2001:0:4137:9e50:4f3:349e:3f57:fefb(Preferred)
   Link-local IPv6 Address . . . . . : fe80::4f3:349e:3f57:fefb%11(Preferred)
   Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : ::
   NetBIOS over Tcpip. . . . . . . . : Disabled

C:\Users\George Malvar>

I sure hope we can find a solution

What OS is on your daughter's laptop?

The IP addresses shown above are correct ==> the 192.168.1.2  and  192.168.1.4  addresses assigned to the two PC's are being assigned via DHCP from your router.    The router's address is 192.168.1.1 -- and is correctly shown as the default gateway on both systems.

Since the laptop's working okay, it's not likely this is a router configuration issue (I was going to have you log in to the router and check that, but it's not necessary now).

Are both systems accessing the internet okay?

Also, which versions of XP & Vista are on these systems?     Right-click on My Computer (XP) and Computer (Vista) and select Properties.   Note the exact version and any service packs that are applied and post them here.

I have to send you my PayPal account so you can get whatever you need...

OK - Here goes:

My Vista is NEW and has this:
Windows Vista - Home Premium - Service Pack One.

The Lap Top is also NEW Dell with the same;
Windows Vista - Home Premium - Service Pack One

The XP (The culprit - I think) is this:
Windows XP Small Business Edition - SP 3

ALL THREE SYSTEMS access the Internet via the NETGEAR fine (and pretty fast)

I can see everything with NO problem from the Vista LapTop - But I am still frozen on accessing the XP from either of the two Vistas.

Here's more on the XP that may help:
I noticed on the Device Manager that the top setting was not enabled - a TCP setting (see image) The other images are related to screen views and Windows explorer views regarding the network we names MalvarWorkgroup which is NOT being picked up nor will it even open to show me anything below it in XP's Explorer.

Let see what we can do from here... I am serious about paying for your services plus the points - I have gone way too far and feel obligated. Please let me know if this is OK and allowed, or send me an email if that's allowed too.

I think it's on file or you can have it from here -   <e-mail address removed>
Many Blessing to you!

George Malvar

Okay,  a few observations ...

"... ALL THREE SYSTEMS access the Internet ..." ==>  This, and the IP addressing you posted, make it clear that DHCP is correctly enabled and working fine on all systems.    So it's NOT a router issue.

"... The XP (The culprit - I think) is this: Windows XP Small Business Edition - SP 3  " ==>  Actually, it's XP Home Edition (w/SP3).   ==>  This is likely where the settings are incorrect.    There are a couple of key differences between Home & Pro that may be at play here:   Home uses a different sharing model (simple file sharing is enabled by default); and has a 5-connection limit for active TCP/IP connections.     It also defaults to an "MSHome" workgroup -- which is what you're seeing here ... so this may very well be what's set wrong.     On the XP system, right-click on My Computer;  select Properties;  click the Computer Name tab; and see what it shows for the Workgroup name.     If it's not "MALVARGROUP" click on the "Change" button and change it to that.

After you've confirmed that, we'll look at a couple of other settings if it's still not working.

I had to leave on a business trip and had a very tough time while I was away trying to access (Go to My PC) was a little help...

In any case, the name on the XP is and has been MALVARGROUP.  I entered it in CAPS Lock, because all others show it in caps . I then went back and entered it en regular text...  Here is a picture of that setting.

II still cannot access the XP system from itself or any other computer, including my Vista and my daughter's lap-top, but each of them can see each other.

If there are TC settings (or whatever)  Please tell me when to go to set up any possible setting to make this XP get noticed on the network because EVERYTHING we need on those other systems in in the XP!

I thank you and I will make this worth you while because you are going above and beyond to help me!

I wait on your reply.

Again, I had to go from Ocala, Florida to Nevada for four days and I just got back.  I hope we can fix this once and for all.  Below is the image for the settings you requested,

THANK YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN IMagine...

By the way, no matter what little thing I see that I try, I still get the error that says"  "Malvargroup" is not accessible ... You might not have permission to use this network resource ... Contact administrator (? is this an area needs looking into? - (I assume that I am because I am the only user and in The Users area, George Malvar is and gas Administrator designation)  ... finally on the error window it says ... The list of servers for this workgroup is not currently available...  It pops up like a bold error with a big ROUND RED X and a loud bang! (or gong)  That's what I've been hearing and seeing each time I click on the MALVARGROUP icon in Network places under the Windows Network Icon (the icon with three monitors)  ... But remember, I can see MALVARGROUP from the Vista and Vista Laptop.

Ooops forgot to mention what I am trying to say with the two images that I think are strange... the first one shows a value that's blank (that may need a number or setting?

The second image in the same:  It's where the computer names are initially entered.  When it said next this time (usually it just says close) I noticed the DNS suffix was blank... do I enter anything thers...

That;'s it on this one.. Remember the big stuff is before this afterthought.  By the way, this info is on the XP... I think the VISTA is fine (It appears to be based on the laptop picking it up... It's the XP that won;t pick up the network or even recognize itself.

Thanks

One other thing [I may said this before -- this collection of theads is getting LONG :-) ] ... on the XP system, go to Control Panel - Network Connections; right-click on your connection; select Properties; highlight the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" line; click on Properties; and be sure both the IP address and DNS server address are checked to be acquired automatically.

I did everything you asked.

I see the Malvargroup AND malvarxp computer but when I click to open it it tells be it's unaccessible.  I COULD not run the last command you requested and maybe that was the problem?

The one that you asked which was: (e) Finally, open another command prompt (Start - Run - CMD), navigate to C:\Windows\System32 (I presume you know how to do this -- just type CD C:\Windows\System32 -- and then type the command "rspndr.exe -I" When you get confirmation that it's done, just close the command window.  and I am getting an error that says: it is not a recognizable as an internal or external command, program or batch file.

Maybe this is what the problem is still left to make this work?

At least I can see Malvarxp - what about spelling and caps vs small un-caps?  Is that an issue?

I also did everything else.

We are close...

Please let me kow... By the way, I could not tell the text on the screen so I copied and pasted your command (the one at issue (rspndr.exe -I ...  I see it as having a space after .exe and then a hyphen and a capital "I" is that correct?  Do I run is from the root? C:\ or do I run it from some other path?

I diagnosed it from VISTA and it still gave me the same error, but at least Malvarxp did appear in the list of network computers, I just can't get into it...

Please try again (I am still committed to you in ways we can discuss later...
George

In case I did not mention this: I think I covered it all.. I also did the folder items too and the last entry as well...

"... I see it as having a space after .exe and then a hyphen and a capital "I" is that correct? " ==>  Yes, that's correct.

"... Do I run is from the root? C:\ or do I run it from some other path? " =>  You copied the rspndr.exe file to C:\Windows\System32  ... so that's where it has to be run from.

You open a command prompt --  Start - Run - Cmd

Then you navigate to C:\Windows\System32   ... just type CD \C:\Windows\System32   ==> the command prompt should then look like this:  C:\Windows\System32>

That's where you type  rspndr.exe  -I

Try that again -- and report back with the results.

Nope...

I still get the error" ..."not recognized as a internal or external command, operable program or batch file"

What now?

I hope we have a little more that can get us there...

Thank you sooooo much!

George

Did you copy "rspndr.exe" to the C:\Windows\System32  directory before you tried the command to run it?    It IS definitely a valid command -- and if it's in the correct folder; and your focus is on that folder [i.e. if the command prompt you see is C:\Windows\System32>  ] then it WILL run.    Just for grins, I just downloaded the package on an XP system and extracted the files to be certain I spelled it correctly ... and it runs just fine ==> on my system I get a response from the command that it failed to install the lltd driver ... but that's because it's already installed.

You will NOT get a "... not recognized ..." message if the executable (rspndr.exe) is in the correct folder and you type the command correctly.     Be very careful that you have (a) copied the files to exactly where I told you to;  and (b) that your command window is focused on the correct folder when you run the "rspndr.exe -I" command.

Be sure ...
(a)  the files all extracted okay from the download
(b)  you copied the rspndr.exe and rspndr.sys files to exactly where I noted
(c)  that you're running rspndr from a command window -- NOT from Explorer

Greetings Gary!

Other than the normal aggravations and the urgency to get this done, I had a few unwelcome events that were not in the least helpful.  Some were health related and others were simply equipment and software not working properly on this XP device which I really feel I should sell and move everything into an New Vista and give this XP to my grandkids!  However, I have no idea how to move everything (including about 50 installed programs or more) including programs and data that goes with it. That's why the network is so appealing because we can grab what we need until eventually the XP is light again and can run properly.

Unfortunately, I only have about 20% left on the main system which is my XP that only has a 40 Gig Primary Hard Drive with the OS... However, it does have a 200 Gig fully functional E:/ Drive but windows is not installed in that drive so it's not THE primary OS system.  

If I could reverse that, maybe I could get C drive emptied to about 50% more lots of what we desperately need it over to the E; drive which has 80% available and works so much faster and better.

Now to the issue at hand:

I did everything all over ONE more time and I actually saw THE AREA that I MISSED completely... (I am sorry)  I didn't notice that the Download was done wrong and that I used the same file for the System32 as I did for the Driver... I used the .exe file for all of them and not the .sys and .info!  Sooo,  I did it again and change it right and I FINALLY got the confirmation on the rspndr.exe CMD! Plus: I didn't get any errors.

HOWEVER,  Once I went to the Vista and clicked on Networks, it initially didn't show the MalvarXP, but in a few minutes it was there... I clicked on it and zero!  However, a few minutes later, it was gone and when I went into the Explorer Network icon on the XP, I got the error that I either misspelled it or didn't have the authority.  But I went back to the Vista and it was there again and then it vanished again.

Maybe I need to start from scratch again on the NETWORK setup and re-do the network settings and names, workgroup name and maybe I can uninstall any errors or at least tell me how to delete unwanted files from before that I created along the way... In fact I see that the Lap is showing on the Vista and Vice Versa, but the XP is random and unsecured to say the least.  Oh yes... I also rebooted all of them, but I am still unable to access the XP from Vista.

Please let me know if there is a way to re-set the network with new names, etc for all three the XP, the Vista and my daughter's Vista Laptop which is going to remain here while we move files around into the right paves.

I hope you can see another miraculous solution... I also need to communicate with you because I know this is now an actual service call more than an Experts Exchange for 500 Points (should be 50,000).  you deserve much much more.

I am here waiting of you net. In fact, I have Go to My PC and maybe you can access me from yours if you have a way of using that (or similar and see inside for yourself.

I don't know if that is allowed, but I can issue the 500 points, close this out and then we can take it from there elsewhere so that I don't upset all my friends at EE.

Please let me know if you have a brainstorm!

Thank you so much Gary and Have a great night and Happy Freedom!

George Malvar!

One more thing; - I apologize, but I did get some "movement" but not there yet.

I went back and I am now back to "seeing" the MalvarXP on the Vista and the XP (so subfoldres) ...

I clicked on the icons and AGAIB, it gave me that awful Error that I must have misspelled something or that I do not have the authority to access... It did not ask me to login anywhere like this below...... The reason I say that is because when I clicked on the Vista Laptop in the Network area, this one ASKS me for a USER ID and PASSWORD! However we do not have, or at least remember EVER setting up a network password on the Laptop and I can't leave it blank and click OK on it because the OK is faded out which means that I MUST enter something in there.  How would I find my login on the Laptop? Also, could this also be an issue on the XP?

How do I get authority (I am administrator in USERS)

Please read these two and I'll be prating for vision and a small miracle for you... By the way, please don't worry about time and funding, I have your time covered!

Thank you Gary - God Bless you!!

George

Just in case... I am sending one more input to see if you are getting these latest ones...

In summary, I think everything is now appearing properly in the Vista and Laptop, but the XP still cannot be accessed from the other systems. The problem in short is that the XP cannot see the Vista or Laptop from its own NETWORK but I do see the actual network name of "Malvargroup" Moreover, it will not expand or open itself from the XP's Explorer.  So... The MalvarXP can't be open in the Vista and the XP can''t see or open the Vista nor can it open itself.  I still get the misspelled error when I click on the icon from any system.

I know we are close.. If you have any patience left, please let me know.  If you want me to go ahead and accept the solution, I will... Just let me knoiw... Read the ones above and you'll see what I mean as far as taking care of you and your time..

Thanks again Gary... please let me know.. If I could, I'd add my number, my email and even my home address and invite you for dinner for all you have already done :-)

George

Been a bit busy this weekend -- but have some time now, so I'll see what else we might do.

First, I want to confirm exactly what is/isn't working.

(1)   Forget about the XP system.    Can you access the laptop from the Vista desktop and "see" all of the shares on the laptop?    Open something on one of those shares;  copy something to it;  and copy something from it.

(2)  Same question in reverse.   Can you access the Vista desktop okay from the Vista laptop?    Do the same as in #1  (copy to it; copy from it;  open a document on the share).

If both of those are working fine, now consider the XP system.     Can the XP system "see" the Vista desktop?     [i.e. if you look at the network, so you see the "Malvar-Vista? machine?]

Hello again...

Yes: I can access all the shared folders from the Laptop and the Vista and vice versa but only those two.  The XP System CANNOT see anything except for the network called Malvargroup in Explorer's Network area.  It cannot see the Vista, the Laptop or even itself, as far as the actual Malvar-XP computer in the Network area in Explorer.  It keeps saying that I do not have permission or it's not working correctly.

I am still in my dilemma.

I'll be here... I don't know what to say anymore except that you are appreciated beyond what you can imagine from here.

I'm beginning to wonder if we should connect the XP and the Vista through the Internet somehow and forget having the XP in the network after trying all of this and still failing?  Or maybe a special USB cable just between one of the Vista's to the XP and forget the network for the XP? However, I read that you can sometimes FRY both motherboards using a USB cable for direct network rather than the Ethernet... We have the Ethernet for the Internet and Router so that's out of the question...  I'd much prefer having a working network, but do you think we'll find the solution?

I'll be here

Thank you again

George