cannot access network shared folders

it2

New Member
I have three computers joining the same network via router:
two computers are desktop
one computer is IBM thinkpad laptop
all three computers are using xp professional

I set each computer certain files as shared folder, so another computer can access them.

After I create the shared folder for each computer, I found out that only two desktop can access the each shared folder between them at no problem, but both desktops cannot acess the IBM laptop. Strange thing is both desktops can see the shared folder in the network group screen. If click the laptop's shared folder, it will let me wait for long period and then give me error message. First message I remember is something about storage size or path not right.
More strangely, the laptop can access both desktop's shared folders at no problem.
I have checked the firewall at laptop not blocking the access, also many tips from website. So far I tried many ways to find out this problem, and I still have no clues.:confused:
Does any IT expert here know?
 
It might not be a firewall issue here, it just can be that the IBM's folder is password protected.
 
It might not be a firewall issue here, it just can be that the IBM's folder is password protected.

I don't think it will be the password protected issue because I didn't put anypassword for the files I selected as shared.

Any Advice? Thanks
 
No, i'm sorry dude. If your sure it's not password protected (i'm pretty sure it ain't), then i really don't know what you can do. How about this though. Ressetup the network. Make the workgroup on the IBM laptop. Then as you connect the desktops to it, make the same workgroup name.
 
a good way to trouble shoot a share issue is firstly go and check the share permissions are set for the "everyone" group to full control,("shared folder", properties, share tab, permissions)

Then in the Shared folders "security" tab, click add group and add the group 'everyone'. then for that group set the access controls (remember this is NTFS security so it really does mean anyone on your network). i wouldn't be generous with the permissions there if you are worried about security.

i'd be surprised if that didnt work. and of course check they are on the same workgroup. ;)

oh also, its a bit of a no brainer, but make sure you check the router, if you have plugged the laptop into the WAN port you might get that problem. hope that's not the reason. haha
 
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a good way to trouble shoot a share issue is firstly go and check the share permissions are set for the "everyone" group to full control,("shared folder", properties, share tab, permissions)

Then in the Shared folders "security" tab, click add group and add the group 'everyone'. then for that group set the access controls (remember this is NTFS security so it really does mean anyone on your network). i wouldn't be generous with the permissions there if you are worried about security.

i'd be surprised if that didnt work. and of course check they are on the same workgroup. ;)

oh also, its a bit of a no brainer, but make sure you check the router, if you have plugged the laptop into the WAN port you might get that problem. hope that's not the reason. haha

thank you, gkeepleft, I found another strange thing: all three computers do not have setting for add group under 'security tab'
 
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