2 new R60s... can't see workgroup computers ?

[rknt50a]

We're trying to set up two brand new R60s running XP Home on a small existing network. We did this about nine months ago with a very similar machine with no problems at all.

Using wireless connection. They get to the router and to the internet just fine.

They have the right workgroup name specified.

When you try to view workgroup computers, they come up dry.

The other machines on the network can actually see the new machines' names, but if I share a folder on one of the new machines, the other machines cannot see the shared folder.

Could it possible be related to the Thinkvantage security? It has a "Domain" specified on the Thinkvantage security login... which really doesn't apply to XP Home. We couldn't figure out a way to make that "Domain" box go away on the Thinkvantage login.

The slightly older Tpad with XP Home that works fine on the network doesn't have the Thinkvantage login to get in. That's the only obvious difference between the tpad that works and the ones that can't see workgroup computers.

Thanks for any suggestions. We're at wits end.

[Stargate199]

As long as you don't specify a domain, you should be fine. I think the software just puts that there reguardless. First, did you set the workgroup name in the system settings, or did you the home network wizard. You need to use the wizard in XP to make it work properly. You can access that from the control panel. Next, you firewall may not be configured to accept incoming connections on your home network. I had this problem and it turned out the firewall was not configured. Hope this helps. I'm not that knowledgeable on networks, but I know how to use them and how to make them work somewhat.

[rknt50a]

Thanks! We ran the wizard and then checked the workgroup name in the system name area.

We shut off Windows firewall just to see if we could clear up the problem by getting that out of the picture... but that did not help.

The OEM Symantec stuff on the new machines is different from the older one that works. Might that be a factor?

Thanks.

[jdhurst]

The newer IBM machines seem to be coming with Symantec Client Security Corporate. Open the Symantec firewall, go to Client Firewall and then to Configure. Under the Networking tab add the main subnet range you have for your home network. That should eliminate the firewall.

Next, XP Home's most serious deficiency is networking, and for that very reason, I recommend people never, ever, use it. That said, XP Home will network the shared folders, so you might be able to see these once the firewall is set.
... JD Hurst

[Stargate199]

JD is correct when it comes to XP home and networking, it sucks. You can share files/folders and printers, but that is just about it. Once you set it up, you will be fine, but don't expect it to work all the time. I have had many difficulties networking Windows computer together and when it is working, I leave it alone whether everything I want is working or not. It takes a lot of patience, but you can get it to work. Good Luck!

[rknt50a]

Problem solved!

The Symantec OEM software now defaults to firewall active and on.

We shut off the Symantec firewall and everything was visible.

The domain request on the Thinkvantage security login was not a problem nor was XP Home... all red herrings. If only we had noticed that firewall setting sooner!

Thanks so much for all the help. This forum is a terrific resource when you're at wits' end.

[jdhurst]

Problem solved!
The Symantec OEM software now defaults to firewall active and on.
We shut off the Symantec firewall and everything was visible.
<snip>

Now that you know that, it would be better to configure the firewall and leave it running. ... JD Hurst

[rknt50a]

Windows firewall is on.