WinXP Home and Switch Problem

[billybigfoot]

I'm trying to set up a simple 2 PC and switch (no internet) network but I'm not having much success.

I've followd the guide found on EZLAN.NET but still cannot share files and neither pc "sees" the other in "MY Network Places".

I've tried the ping command and got the following result:
PC A pings PC B and gets an answer
PC B pings PC A but returns all packets lost

I've set the ipaddress of each pc as follows:
PC A 192.168.0.1
PC B 192.168.0.2
both use a subnet mask 255.255.255.0

I did come across an article on the net that sugested that if you change the settings too many times the registry gets clogged with spurious settings and this in itself could stop a network from working.

Does anyone have any ideas, any help would be most welcome.

[YeOldeStonecat]

Software firewall running on one of them? Either 3rd party, or the built in one with WinXP?

[billybigfoot]

I uninstalled all anti spyware, adware and virus software before setting up the network. Also I disabled the XP Firewall, which incidently keeps turning back on for some reason. Still no joy.

Could there possibly be something else?

[YeOldeStonecat]

Antispyware/malware/adware/virus should not affect it in any way. You mention however that the XP firewall keeps turning itself one...I'm still thinking that's the issue. If so, well, try enabling file and print sharing on it. Your local area connection keeps saying "Firewalled"?

[billybigfoot]

Yep, says firewalled, (with file and printer enabled) even after turning it off and rebooting, even found an article on NetBEUI and how to set it up (bindings and all) followed that and still nothing. Neither PC will show the other in my network places, and nothing comes up in view workgroup computers. Although I still get the same ping results mentioned earlier.

I'VE GOT A BIG HEADACHE!

[seeker3]

Did you go into services and turn off the firewall there? Are the workgroup names the same?

[billybigfoot]

Yes, went into services and dissabled the XP Firewall, but still keeps comming back after reboot. Both PC's are on the same workgroup (Home), but as far as I'm aware it shouldn't matter if they are on different workgroups as all you would get is an extended tree in "My Network Places".

I've noticed that "Norton Systemworks" is installed on the PC that won't return the ping request, could that be causing the problem, don't really want to uninstall it as the owner has lost the disc and wont be able to reinstall.

[YeOldeStonecat]

When you ping, are you pinging by netbios name? Or pinging by IP address?

Force NetBIOS over TCP/IP on?

[billybigfoot]

By IP Address, and force netbios over TCP/IP is on.

[The Dude]

Static IP's? If it is only a switch, then there would be nothing handling DHCP, so you wouldn't you have to setup static IP's? Have you tried the search for computers option?

[billybigfoot]

First of all, sorrey for the time in replying, I've been away working, anyway, problem solved, the guy bought a wireless router as he now wants to use a laptop as well so unplugged the switch, set up the router and all problems faded away. Must have been the DHCP......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!