Windows Problem Solver ALMOST solved Networking problem - unshareable folders
Fri, 2007-09-14 21:24 — mrblue
Hi there
I wonder if someone could help me.
I filled in the form on the winhlp.com page, and I have partially solved the problem.
I have 2 laptops: "A" is a Windows XP with Service Pack 2, and various 3rd party firewall, anti-spyware and anti-virus software.
"B" is an old Windows 2000 machine with various 3rd party firewall, anti-spyware and anti-virus software.
I have a Wireless router.
BEFORE I used the form I got the error message: Workgroup is not accessible.... etc. on laptop A when I tried to browse the Network Neighbourhood. Laptop B NEVER had any problem seeing laptop A.
The form told me to stop the Browser Helper Service on Laptop B, and HEY PRESTO I can now browse the network on laptop A. Wonderful. However, I still get the error message "Access Denied" on laptop A when I click on "program files" of laptop B, or the main user folder of "Documents and Settings" of laptop B. I can successfully browse all the other shared folders of laptop B from laptop A!! Why do I get the error message only on these 2 folders? Weird.
Thanks in advance.
Unshareable folders
These folders are unshareable in some operating systems, for example, in Windows XP Home Edition. This is hardcoded and cannot be changed, as far as I know. I don't remember these details about Windows 2000.
One workaround is not to share these folders, but to share subfolders inside them. In the case of Program Files these can be many though, but perhaps you don't need all of them shared.
The cause can be in Windows 2000, or it can be in one of the various 3rd party filrewalls on laptop B. You could try to disable these for a test, but make sure you still have one firewall active in the router or disconnect the Internet connection during the test to be safe.