I have small home network that I'm trying to setup.. The problem I am having is I CANNOT get my laptop to see my main desktop PC. I keep getting the message: "Workgroup is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact administrator for access permission."

HOWEVER, my main desktop PC can see my laptop just fine. I can access my folders from my laptop. Any ideas?

TIA

What operating systems are on the two computers? If your are doing WinXP vs. Win98 it is very quirky and a major PITA to set up. Sometimes all it takes is rebooting both computers at the same time. Also, check to see that you actually have something shared on your desktop. Another tip is to run NetBios over IPX rather than TCP/IP. This will help secure your shares from outside intruders.

The most reliable way is to go to the Start menu, choose "Run..." and type \\<ip address>.

For example. If you're on the laptop and your desktop's IP address is 192.168.1.2, you type this in the Run.. prompt:

\\192.168.1.2

Originally posted by XCENTRIC
I have small home network that I'm trying to setup.. The problem I am having is I CANNOT get my laptop to see my main desktop PC. I keep getting the message: "Workgroup is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact administrator for access permission."

HOWEVER, my main desktop PC can see my laptop just fine. I can access my folders from my laptop. Any ideas?

TIA

Hi Xcentric,

Check to make sure that the workgroup names on both computers are exactly the same and that you are sharing the drives/directories that you want to.

Brian

I am able to share folders between two workgroups on my home network using Windows XP (Home and Pro). It should be OK.

dag

Sorry guys, I should have mentioned that they are both using XP Pro.. I will try all the advice given and see what happens. Thanks a bunch.

What network equipment are you using? I had the same trouble with the Anypoint setup and had to download drivers off the internet because the driver on the disc was not compatible with XP.

Go to the Tools>Folder Options menu. THen click the View tab.

Make sure the "Use simple file sharing box is UNchecked" on both machines.

That took care of this same problem for me.

This option only exists in XP.

Originally posted by rotary_it_up
This option only exists in XP. I believe what you meant to say is that this option is only available in XP Professional, not in the Home edition.

Correct, Thank you

I got it to work!! I setup the NetBios protocol and it fixed the problem. I also followed other advices on here as well. I learned something new. Thanks guys!!