Bizzare problem

[colnago1331]

Okay, this is quite weird, IMHO.

I have two computers, a Sony Vaio laptop (WIn98SE) and a Sony Vaio desktop (WinME), hooked up to a D-Link router. The Network control panel settings are exactly the same on both computers, save for the name of each computer.

Now, when both computers are booted up and on their desktops, the two computers cannot see each other (i.e. one computer is not in the other's network neighborhood). HOWEVER, if the laptop is booted up, but waiting at the "logon" screen for me to enter the password and hit enter, the desktop can see it and I can access the shared drives on the laptop from the desktop. Once, however, I complete the logon, the desktop can no longer see the laptop.

Any thoughts on the solution to this problem? It's really ticking me off. TIA.

EDIT: also, once both computers are fully booted up and on their desktops, both are able to access the internet via a shared cable modem connected to the router.

[aileron172]

When the laptop is at the login screen that is the default desktop. Check you settings when you are logged in and see if they are the same. Also at the login screen click cancel and see what the settings are on the default desktop. You may just have the settings in one but not the other. Any changes you did before you set your login password will not show up on "your" desktop ie logged in desktop. Desktop settings made on the default desktop will not be the same as in the logged in desktop is what am am trying to say.:)