Microsoft Networking

(File & Print Sharing Problems)

General Information

• TCP Ports

  • c:\> netstat -an 
    Displays active ports.

  • 137 - 139 - Windows File sharing using (NETBIOS)

  • 445 - Microsoft Directory Server (Microsoft-DS) (Win2000 & XP - File sharing)

• File Sharing a directory

  • If have problems with the steps below, see the Firewall information below to Disable for testing.

  • Create a directory that you want to share with other computers on a network

  • Right click on the directory and choose "Properties", the click the "Sharing" tab.

  • Click "Share this folder on the network".  Optionally: "Allow network users to change my files".

  • You should now see this directory from another computer if you go to "My Network Places","Entire Network", "Microsoft Windows Network" and click on the appropriate workgroup.

  • Note:  You will get a Windows use logon screen if your Windows Account and Password is not the same on your PC and the other PC.

• Printer Sharing

  • If have problems with the steps below, see the Firewall information below to Disable for testing.

  • Locate the Printer you want to connect to using "My Network Places" using "Windows Explorer" (see the steps for "File Sharing a Directory" above).

  • Once you click on the Computer Name, then click "Printers and Faxes".

  • Right click on the printer and choose "Connect"
    (this will install the necessary print drivers and establish a connect to this computers printer).

  • Test - Control Panel, "Printer and Faxes".  You should see the printer listed.  Now try printing to the printer.  I use "NotePad" to test.

Firewalls

• Disable the firewall and see if your networking (File/Print Sharing) starts working.

• Windows Firewall - XP

  • Network Connection - Turn Off Firewall
    • Start, Control Panel, Network Connections then right click on the connection (Adapter)
    • Choose "Properties", click on the "Advanced" tab.
    • If the section "Windows Firewall" reads as follows:  "Protect my computer ...." then proceed.
    • Click "Settings"
    • Click on the tab "General"
    • Click the "Off" option.
  • Network Connection - enable Wireless connection within the Firewall.
    • Start, Control Panel, Network Connections then right click on the connection (Adapter)
    • Choose "Properties", click on the "Advanced" tab.
    • If the section "Windows Firewall" reads as follows:  "Protect my computer ...." then proceed.
    • Click "Settings"
    • Click on the tab "Advanced"
    • Uncheck "Wireless Network Connection".  A check enables the Firewall.
    • Click "OK".
    • Go back to the connection and see if it works now.
  • Network Connection - enable "File and Printer Sharing" within the Firewall.
    • Start, Control Panel, Network Connections then right click on the connection (Adapter)
    • Choose "Properties", click on the "Advanced" tab.
    • If the section "Windows Firewall" reads as follows:  "Protect my computer ...." then proceed.
    • Click "Settings"
    • Click on the tab "General"
    • Unclick "Don't allow exceptions"
    • Click "Exceptions"
    • Unclick "File and Printer Sharing", then "OK"

• McAfee Personal Firewall

  • Disable the Personal Firewall

    • Right click on the icon (McAfee System Security) in the system tray.

    • Choose "Personal Firewall", "Disable"

  • Configure "McAfee Personal Firewall" to allow File & Print Sharing.

    • Launch "McAfee Security Center"

    • Click the menu option on the left called "Personal Firewall Plus"

    • Click "Options"

    • Click "System Services"

    • Check "Windows File Sharing (NETBIOS) ports 137-139"

• Zone Labs

  • My version (corporate) would not allow me to "Disable".

  • Firewall (My notes - may not work!  UNDER DEVELOPMENT)

    • Launch "Zone Labs Integrity Desktop"

    • Click "Firewall" on the left side.

    • Click the "Main" tab.

    • Internet Zone Security - "Med"

    • Trusted Zone Security - "Low"

    • Click "Advanced" in the lower right corner.

    • Under "Network Settings" click "Ask which Zone to place new networks in upon detection".

Windows XP Networking Problems & File Sharing.

• Windows XP - Networking Problems (including Print Sharing problems).
   
  • Wireless Network Problems
    • Start, Control Panel, Network Connections then right click on "Wireless Network" and choose "View Available Wireless Networks".
    • If there are no Wireless networks and you know there should be your connection maybe firewalled.  If the status says "Not connected, Firewalled" then do the steps above in the "Windows Firewall" section for "Enabling Wireless Connection".
  • Windows XP - If you can't ping the computer then try the following.
    • On the computer that has the printer/files that you want to share go to a DOS prompt.
    • Type: ipconfig <enter>
    • Find the IP Address
    • Go to the computer that you will be using to access this computer.
    • Type:  ping  <IP Address you found above>  <enter>
    • If you can't ping the computer then try the following:
      • Control Panel, Network Connections. 
      • Next right click on the adapter that you are using to connect to the network and choose "Properties", then click the "Advanced" tab.  Look for the section called "Windows Firewall".
        • If Windows Firewall is installed.
          • Click on the tab "General"
          • Unclick "Don't allow exceptions"
          • Click "Exceptions"
          • Unclick "File and Printer Sharing", then "OK"
          • Now test with a ping.
        • If no Firewall is installed.
          • Start Programs, Control Panel, Networking Connections.
          • Look for the network connection that you are using to access the network.
          • If the status is "Connected, Firewalled" then do the following steps.
          • Right Click, then "Properties"
          • Click the tab "Advanced"
          • Look for an option that will take away the firewall.
    • Windows XP (SP2) - you can ping the computer and see the computer via "My Network Places" from Windows Explorer but don't see the directory that you want to share.
      • In Windows Explorer, right click on the directory that you want to share and choose "Sharing and Security".  Click the option to "Share this folder on the Network".  If you want to allow them to add/delete/change files then click "Allow_network users to change my files".