Pretty simple networking question...

[cwgannon]

Here's the situation:
[*]I have two computers--one wired to my router, the other connecting wirelessly.
[*]Both are running ZoneAlarm's free firewall on Windows XP Pro.
[*]The router has been configured to assign each a static IP address.
[*]ZoneAlarm has been configured to "trust" these static IPs.
[*]Both computers are set to the same workgroup.

Here's what's happening:
[*]The wired-to-the-router computer recognizes the workgroup and sees itself as part of it. It does not, however, recognize the other computer.
[*]The computer connecting wirelessly sees the other computer as part of the workgroup, but it does not recognize itself as actually being a part of this same group.
[*]Each computer can ping the other and the router.

What else I've done:
[*]Disabled Windows Firewall on both computers.
[*]Started the Windows Firewall/ICS Service on both computers.
[*]Started the TCP/IP NetBIOS helper service.

Any suggestions on what to do to get the computer connecting wirelessly to appear as part of the workgroup to itself and to the computer wired to the router?

Thank you very much in advance. I apologize if this question seems a bit dumb to most of you, as well.

 

[nweaver]

use UNC paths to connect, network neighborhood is craptastic on it's best days.
\\server\share

 

[blemoine]

another way to may a connection is like \\192.168.1.10\share. you would do that if your having trouble with the \\server\share. there is always 10 ways to skin a cat.

 

[Pat007]

Check the NetBIOS settings on the network adapter. Make sure it is ENABLED, might help.

HOW TO: Network Adapter (properties) -> TCP/IP (properties) -> Advanced -> WINS (tab) -> Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP

Let me know if it helps... I've got more tricks in my bag

 

[JackMDS]

If all of the above is Done and nothing help then it is NetBEUI time.

Set NetBEUI as Sharing Protocol in WinXP.

:sun:

 

[cwgannon]

Per the suggestions here, I have enabled NetBIOS over TCP/IP and have also set NetBEUI as a sharing protocol.

Though the issue wasn't resolved, the wireless computer now recognizes itself as a member of the group, i.e., it can access its own share. So, that's some progress, at least, but the wired computer still will not connect to the other's share.

What's next to try?

And again, thanks in advance. And thank you again for all the replies thus far.

 

[Pat007]

Does the 'weird' computer see the other computer in Network Neighborhood?
Also, try enabling the 'GUEST' account on both machines, if they works then you'll want to create a user account (same name/pass) on both machines since your not using a domain controller.

Let me know!

 

[JackMDS]

Try to totaly uninstall ZA. I mean totaly after uninstall use a Reg. cleaner, and check the services to make sure that nothing is left behind runing.

:sun:

 

[cwgannon]

Well, it took me longer than I'd like to admit, but it's all working now.

Many thanks to all who replied.