Sharing a laptop on my Wireless Network

[meld51]

Hello,
I backup the 3 computers on my network onto an external HDD across my wireless network. Just lately I have not been able access the folders on the C:\ drive of one of my laptops. I think I have all the usual things set alright:

Windows Firewall Off
No other firewall running on the laptop
The C:\ drive has the little sharing 'hand' on the folder.

When I look at this troublesome laptop across the network I can open the C drive and see the next level down but when I try to open those folders I get a 'no access' type of message?

When you share a folder you share all the sub-folders too don't you?

Please can I have a bit of advice?

[JohnHorb]

You've not set security locally to restrict access to the sub-folders have you? That would override security on the share.

[meld51]

Dunno! What would I look for? Did you mean on the router?

[JohnHorb]

Assuming you are running Win XP or similar, you can set security on folders to restrict access to certain users. If you had done that on the laptop, the account you are logged into to backup may not have access, even if it has access to the 'share'. What version of Windows is on the laptop (and what Service Pack?)

[meld51]

All my computers use XP SP2
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Oh and AFAIK there are no restrictions on specific folders

[JohnHorb]

If you have Windows Firewall enabled on the laptop. make sure you have 'File and Printer sharing' as an exception. (In fact, try disabling the Firewall temporarilly and see if that makes any difference)

[Edit] .. and you say 'just lately' - what changes have you made to your setup 'lately'?

[meld51]

The XP firewall is off. I seem to remember there are some advanced settings somewhere that might need tweeking?

[JohnHorb]

Same username/password on all PCs?

[meld51]

As for lately......I mean over the last 3 months or so! I only backup once per month....thats OK for my home net!
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Usernames and passwords vary but I don't need to be in any account on the target PC generally.

[JohnHorb]

Assuming your network is set up as a 'workgroup', I would think the account you are logged into on the 'remote' PC must also exist, with the same password, on the laptop. (Though I would have thought you would need the same conditions to be able to see the top-level directory)

[meld51]

Sorry mate! I don't understand! Normally I can see folders on a remote PC even if its at the xp entry screen with no particular account active.

I can even see the second level folders on this problem laptop but I can't open them!

[JohnHorb]

See if there is anything here to help.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304040/

[meld51]

This is what I see from my main PC

It's Kateslaptop that is being a pain!

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2005/06/3.jpg