Re: Share Internet Access
 

Sounds like a firewall/permissions problem to me.

Try disabling all firewalls on both machines (if they're running XP they probably have the Windows firewall running by default).

Next make sure that both machines have an identical account set up on them (same user name and password).

Then try the Pings again.

Another thing you can try is to go to Start > Search

Computers or People

A computer on the Network

Type the name of the other machine into the Computer Name box and then hit Search.

It should find the other machine if the network is configured correctly.

Re: Share Internet Access
 

Well, the machines do not have identical usernames so maybe that is where I am going wrong. I'll try that later and give it a go.

My desktop PC is running zonealarm with windows firewall disabled; the laptop has just windows firewall. I'll try disabling these settings if username does not fix it.

Thanks again.

Dave

Re: Share Internet Access
 

I got this router off ukonline. You say the laptop just connected this would tell me your have no wep security set up on your network this is a little bit risky as someone can just sit outside and log on

Re: Share Internet Access
 

Just adding the username won't fix it.

You will need to configure the two firewalls so that they trust the opposing machine.

Re: Share Internet Access
 

I got it to work. After a recent install of XP Pro I disabled a lot of services I didn't need at the time. Re-enabling some of these did the trick. I also had to configure zone alarm to accept instructions from laptop.

I am a bit disappointed with signal strength with in-built wireless card so may need to get add-on card in future. Not going to worry at moment though.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

Dave

Re: Share Internet Access
 

Dave,

It's unusual for in-built wireless cards to have serious problems with signal strength of their own accord.

Best bet is to try and eliminate any possible chance of interference. There may be an option in the settings of the card or the router for you to change the channel/frequency. Try changing the channel/frequency to as far from the default as possible.

If that doesn't work, look for anything nearby that may be interfering (microwaves, cordless phones) - possibly something that sits between your router and the laptop.

Also bear in mind that if the two are too close together this can also cause problems (sometimes :) ).
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:) You're welcome.