> It seems that the computer that can see the other computer changes by
> which one is restarted first....does that make sense?

  It does, actually.  I believe you'll find that neither computer is running
the "Computer Browser" service, which is fine in a stand-alone machine but a
role that somebody needs to take on in a workgroup.  (With two machines, it
probably won't hurt to enable it on both.  If there were 20 machines, you'd
want to pick no more than 3 or so to be running this service.)

  The first machine "hears" the second one join the network, but without the
service, there's no way for the second one to learn that the first one is
there.

David Gillett



On 26 Sep 2004 at 6:51, G&MSkokan wrote:

> Trying to help a couple to share files, but maybe a part is missing?
> Both systems are XP with simple file sharing enabled.  The internet
> connection is a Direcway 6000 modem into a DSS 5+ Dlink switch and both
> computers can access the internet.  One computer can see the other, but
> cannot access either through network places or shared folders (The
> shares do not appear on the other computer).  It seems that the computer
> that can see the other computer changes by which one is restarted
> first....does that make sense?  The workgroup names are the same.  When
> the workgroup appears in Network Places, the computer cannot access.
> the message is something like "you don't have access, cannot find host,
> see your administrator"  I'm not good with networks and if anyone has
> some suggestions, it would be appreciated. Thanks
>
> George

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