Network Problem

Martyboy_3

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

oldblueeyes_2

Have you run the File & Print Sharing Wizard on each machine?

Martyboy_3

Yes. Several times. Still no Joy

oldblueeyes_2

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?

Martyboy_3

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

albertross_2

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.

oldblueeyes_2

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?

crox

do you have the same usernames and passwords on each machine?

Martyboy_3

I do not appear to have a Guest Account on COMPUTER1. Could this be the problem?
How do I recreate a Guest Account?

Martyboy_3

File and printer sharing box is ticked in Windows firewall
Shared documents and shared printer do have the shared hand underneath

oldblueeyes_2

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.