File Sharing-some PCs permit - some don't

[udornf4]

I searched and found a little on this - but not specifically.

I have 5 computers networked. All are running XP Pro and all have the same network configurations and firewalls. No 3rd part stuff (Norton or Mcafee firewalls). PC names are without spaces,

I can see all the PCs (and the one shared folder) on My Network Places - no problem. Two of the PCs let me in - the other give me the message in the attachement.

I am fairly geeky - but cannot get into the shared folders on three of the PCs. I have double and triple checked all the file sharing and networking settings. They are all the same.:confused:

[awaj]

On all the computeres, do you have the same username? If so, you need to use the same passwords.

[udornf4]

Thanks for your suggestion!

I don't use any "user names" or "passwords".

Anyone can get on my puters

[Paul Komski]

This MSKB (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/106167) fixed the problem of: Error message: "Not enough server storage is available to process this command" when it recently happened to me.

[udornf4]

Paul,

Thanks for taking the time to assist.

Believe it or not - I have (previously) performed this Microsoft fix in the registry - it does not help.

Still trying to figure this one...:confused:

[classicsoftware]

You have two choices:

Option One: All PC's have a common user name and password. All PC's are part of the same work group. Guest account is disabled and simple file sharing is OFF.

Option Two: No user names. Simple file sharing IS enabled. The guest account is active.

[Paul Komski]

I have double and triple checked all the file sharing and networking settings. They are all the same.
Not that I have done a great deal of networking but I have to say (that with Windows boxes) configuring XPpro to XPpro has generally been the least problematic as I have gradually gained some experience. The settings can be the same but what Windows "remembers" may well not be the same on the different boxes.

I have also found that on occasions simply changing the Simple File Sharing setting didn't take effect on the shared folder - even after rebooting all PCs - until the share was completely removed and a new one re-created.

The only other thoughts are (1) to do with where the file share is located. Shares within the Documents and Settings "Zone" are treated differently (from a permissions point of view) than folders created in the root of the C: drive, (2) the only way to be sure no firewall is interfering is to disconnect from the WAN (for safety) and then temporarily turn-off all firewalls on the two (or more) relevant workstations and (3) to give the PCs enough time (at least 2 minutes on the clock) after turning them all on to finish their conversations between themselves and the router.

When networking goes as expected it is peachy - when not, it can create the knottiest and most perplexing of problems. It is perhaps also worth adding that even though the software settings may be the same that the hardware may not be. Poor cabling or outdated drivers can cause all sorts of bizarre effects. This, for example, I could only overcome on one Win2K (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=61481) laptop by switching from PCMCIA to a USB dongle. This workaround never "explained" the root cause of the problem but if you have a wireless router it could be a way of adding to your troubleshooting armoury.

[udornf4]

Thanks, all.

I'll try this one:

Option Two: No user names. Simple file sharing IS enabled. The guest account is active.

I have not investigated the "guest" account side of this...:)