Network file Sharing Problem

[Barryng]

I have a small network setup with three desktops and two laptops. All five machines run Windows XP Pro. Four of the five machines play nice with one another with respect to sharing folders and files. However, one desktop does not want to readily share folders. Using Windows Explorer I can specify specific folders to be shared but I cannot globally get it to readilly share all folders like the four other machines do. Certain folders (e.g. Program Files) will not share no matter what I do. I do not have this problem with any of the other four machines. Interestigly, the problem machine has no problem accessing files anywhere on the other four machines but it stubbornly refuses to readily allow access to its own files. Any suggestions would be appreciated. The primary reason for the network is to share a DSL connection but we also frequently use it to transfer files between machines. The one machine I just described presents us with a significant problem because of the difficulty in accesing files on it from the other four computers.

 

[jrbob]

What OS are you running on that comp?
If it is W2K or XP make sure that you have the server service started and that file and print sharing is enabled for you NIC.

 

[Barryng]

I am running XP Pro. I did confirm that file and print sharing is enabled but I am not sure what to do to verify "the server service started."

It is not impossible to share files as I just have to set the specific folder containing the files I want to share to "share files and folders". Some folders will not accept this setting (e.g. Program files, Windows, etc.).

 

[jrbob]

Just drag them to the Shared Document folder and you should be set.