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Problems connecting to shared files accross a Windows Domain network.

My current company domain consist of multiple locations. Each location has a different subnet mas and are connect to each other through a vpn router. So for example: Location A would be 192.168.10.x, Location B would be 192.168.20.x, Location C would be 192.168.30.x, etc....

the majority of our user workstations run windows xp SP1 through Windows XP SP2 with the lastest updates.  For those pc who have SP2, I have enable file and print sharing as well as remote desktop in the windows firewall.

Now, here is my problem. If I try to connect from one pc to another pc on the SAME subnet mas VIA windows explorer using this command: \\computername\C$\

I can connect to the users C drive and view all their problems. If I try and do the same thing to another pc in a different location (which uses a different subnet mas), I am unable to attach to their C drive nor to their pc VIA windows explorer. Now, what does work is I can remote desktop as we as pc anywhere to different location pc with no problems. If I pcanywhere or remote desktop to another location, then try the same pc that gave me the problem the first time, it works fine for file and print sharing.

So basically what I am asking, what would cause each location not to connect to another VIA "\\" and how can I resolve this issue. I should add, that we do have windows 2003 servers in which any pc reguard of location can do a "\\server" command and view shared files with no problems.

It just seems to be an XP problem that I am struggling with.

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Jay_Jay70
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can you ping the machines by both name and IP

windows firewall should be disabled on all xp machines, it is a bucket of.......

if you \\ipaddress to a remote machine does it work
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spectragases

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I am able to ping the computer(s) on a different subnet mask and get a response.

I turned off the firewall and that seemed to work.. however, I would like to have the firewall on if possible and disable the service or firewall configuration that is blocking what I am trying to do.


if no one can answer my new response, I will reward you the credit.
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Jay_Jay70
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In doing a little more digging with the windows firewall settings. if you click on the exceptions tab, then click edit File and Print Sharing and edit the scope. If I choose ANY (first option) oposed to only the subnet then this works.

Ideally, I agree.. the windows firewall is crude.... however, I know some users will turn it back on not knowing anybetter...

thanks agian for your help..... I have awarded you the points.
thankyou and if you feel like blovking the firewall completely you can disable the service starting at all under services.msc