Perplexing LAN problem

[Gustavus]

I apolgize for the lengthy lead in to the problem description -- but it is needed to explain the problem

My LAN has three computers -- all running Windows XP. One, call it A, is colocated with the cable modem and the router. The modem is connected to the router of course as is computer A. A LinkSys ethernet powerline adapter is also connected to the router. The other computers, B and C, are each connected to the LAN with LinkSys powerline adapters as well. All three computers have excellent internet access -- B and C via the powerline LAN and A through the router directly. The point of this is that the LAN is established and working very well -- approximately 3.3Mbps for each of B and C.

Each computer has a shared documents folder that contains the usual subfolders -- Files, Pictures, Video and Music. Computers A and B can view each others shared folders and subfolders. In other words A and B have a fully functioning two node LAN. Computer C can view the shared folders on both A and B -- and of course it's own shared folder, but neither A nor B can see the shared folder on C. I have recreated the LAN several times with the same results and am baffled by the problem. What I mean by "see" is that if one clicks Start and then My Network Places the icon for the shared folder on that computer and for the shared folders on the other machines that can be read appear in the display headed My Network Places. The folders and subfolders can be opened and files executed or transferred. A shows the shared folders on A and B, B also shows the shared folders on A and B but C shows and can open and the shared folders on A, B and C.

Can any of you imagine why C can see A and B but neither A nor B can see C?

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

 

[Raj]

verify that the netbios protocol on all three PCs. It is installed through the tcp/ip under network settings for yoru NIC.

once installed you'll be able to browse the network, kinda like the network neighborhood.

 

[Fardringle]

Firewall software on computer C could be preventing the other computers from accessing its shared files and folders.

 

[Gustavus]

I use Zone Alarm as a firewall and have disabled the Microsoft firewall on all three machines. In Zone Alarm Trollhagen (the LAN name) is set in the firewall as trusted with the same base IP of 192.168.0.0 and mask of 255.255.255.0 on all three machines so I am pretty sure the problem is not firewall connected.

 

[Kelemvor]

What do you see if from A or B you do a Start / Run and enter \\xx.xx.xx.xx where that's the IP of computer C?

 

[Gustavus]

Franky Junior,
Following -- well almost following -- your suggestion I can access the stored files on C from either A or B. Instead of entering the IP address as you suggested, I entered \\"name of computer C" in the address bar on computers A and B. In each case that brings up the icons for the shared files and for shared printers on C. That proves that the router is correctly resolving the computer name for computer C and that the stored folders are accessible to A and B over the LAN. Any idea of why when I click on "My Network Places", the shared folder on computer C does not appear on computer A or B?

PS
I just followed your suggestion to enter the address (preceded by \\) in the run box with the same results as above. Both A and B are able to access the shared folders on C by entering \\"name of computer C" in either the address bar or in the run box. Now what?

PPS
I hate it when things "just happen". I was going to go into "My Network Places" and go through the Add a Network Place to add the address of computer C, but when I clicked on My Network Places on computers A and B, for the first time they are both now showing the SharedDocs icon on Computer C. I have done that many times before after numerous boots with out A or B showing the SharedDocs folder icon for computer C. Now suddenly and mysteriously, they both show it -- and I can access the shared subfolders from either A or B. The problem has gone away. I wouldn't say it was fixed since I did nothing to fix it, but at least the LAN is at this moment working exactly as it should. Many thanks to all of you who made suggestions along the way.

 

[Lordicus]

Are they all in the same workgroup?
A possible master browser issue?

Got a host file set up to point to internal ip/names?

Peace!

 

[InlineFive]

Originally posted by: Lordicus
Are they all in the same workgroup?
A possible master browser issue?

Got a host file set up to point to internal ip/names?

Peace!

What is the Master Browser on a workgroup network? I am having a lot of difficulties with this lately.

 

[Gustavus]

Lordicus,

I verified that the workgroup names were the same on all three computers early on in my troubleshooting, but my saying so could be unconvincing since you have no way of knowing if I read the information right. There is a logical argument that proves all three computers are in the same workgroup. C could not see shared folders on A and B if they weren't in the same workgroup as C. The same is true for A and B being able to see the shared folder on the other computer (A or B).

The funny thing is that now the LAN is working just as it should -- for no apparent reason. I am now setting up all three computers to print out on a common laser printer. I have shut down and rebooted all three machines and they come back up with the LAN up and sharing folders just as it should.