Unable To Connect Network Folders Or Files

gkar · **9th June 2007, 09:57 PM**

I have just finished upgrading my PC network from a simple crossover cable between two systems to a three-way link (1x desktop (DT); 1x main (main) HTPC; 1x bedroom (B/R) HTPC) incorporating an ethernet switch. This is where I'm at to date:

1) loaded the shared folders on my main HTPC into my bedroom unit using the MCE 'add video' ability. They checked OK. Was unable to stream the media files in the shared folders to my B/R unit. Went back into the 'add video' area & the shared folders from my main unit were checked, but grayed out.

2) I can ping the other two PCs from all three systems without loss so they are seeing each other.

3) I have disabled all firewalls & the issue is still present.

4) I f I go into 'My Network Places', from either DT or main, & click on 'view workgroup computers' I just get the DT & the main unit. The B/R unit is NOT present from either of the other locations.
If I go into 'My Network Places' from the B/R unit, I get all three networks & can access the files from the DT & the B/R. I can also open up the main network to the individual shared folders but will refuse to open them. I get the usual "(network name). You might not have permission to use this network resource..."

What can I do next to fix this problem? I have tried researching on a couple of the more obvious sites devoted to networks to no success. Any ideas to sort out would definitely get my "thanks" vote.

GlenR · **9th June 2007, 10:06 PM**

First up, always check your basics.

Are all PCs in the same workgroup?

Have you enabled sharing on each PC that you wat to share files from and given permission for others to access the folders? This is slightly different in XP and Vista so we need to know what you are running on each box.

gkar · **9th June 2007, 10:24 PM**

Geez, that was fast. Thanks.

Before I clarify your response I should say that I CAN access my 'recorded TV' folder & playback the *.DVR-MS files of the TV programmes I have recorded on my main HTPC.

Quote:

Are all PCs in the same workgroup?

Sorry I should have mentioned the obvious; that were all part of the same workgroup -the standard MSHOME.

Quote:

Have you enabled sharing on each PC that you wat to share files from and given permission for others to access the folders? This is slightly different in XP and Vista so we need to know what you are running on each box.

I am running MCE2005 on both HTPCs & XP Home on my desktop. I have disabled 'simple file sharing' on my main HTPC and for each shared folder I have:

1) right-clicked the shared folders & opened up 'Sharing & Security...'. Inside, I have enabled the 'Share This Folder' radio button. Then, clicked permissions. 'Group or user names' is set to everyone. 'Permissions for everyone' is set to 'allow'. Just to try it out I tried checking full control. But it did not work. Oh well

Anything else I could try.

ExtremePC · **10th June 2007, 12:27 AM**

Do any of the machine require a login when you boot up?

gkar · **10th June 2007, 07:58 AM**

Quote:

Do any of the machine require a login when you boot up?

Yes. The all are setup for autologon using XPPowertoys. They have user names but no passwords ie. password is left blank. Thanks.

gkar · **10th June 2007, 10:38 AM**

Firstly, GlenR & ExtremePC: I appreciate your assistance.

Now, this is where I'm at:

This morning, after using my RF keyboard to standby my main HTPC, it would not boot. I went into BIOS & had to reset the boot HDD priority due to an issue with, I believe my SATA power connector (whoever devised the connectors, both power & data, for the SATA interface should be

******rated G. Suffice it to say they are, at best, poorly designed).

Now, back to my monologue. Not realising this at first, I had reimaged using my last Ghost image. This took the system back to a state of using 'simple file sharing'. I also redid my networks via the wizard. The only thing I changed was to rename my bedroom from "2nd HTPC to 2nd-HTPC, as I had read on one of the network sites that having spaces could cause issues. Guess what, all my PCs were visible from all locations.

I went onto MCE & still no media files were visible. I could play them on both Zoomplayer & WMP6.4 (classic). I tried manually opening a file from WMP10 & it stated that it could not play the files but gave the option to try. They played alright, but am surmising that because they don't open by default then MCE cannot read them.

OK. Time to upgrade to WMP11, as my Matroska-contained AVIs open automatically on my main HTPC. Damn.....!!!! I had setup my bedroom HTPC not to be internet connectable to save any dramas with updates etc. Can't install WMP11 as it won't validate.

Bugger. Am in the process of Ghosting this setup & will redo my 2nd-HTPC's network to be internet-connectable. But I am getting there.

gkar · **11th June 2007, 04:39 PM**

What should be the final update.

I had all three units seeing & 'speaking' with each other, then I lost the main HTPC, again. I reinstalled the network via wizard on my desktop & they have been stable since. Can only guess it was something to do with my ISC (internet sharing connection). Thanks.

PS. regarding the other issue of Matroska I will start another thread if I can't remember what I did to get the functioning on my main HTPC.