Member Avatar for WGB001

I have a PC using a PCI adapter Microsoft MN-130 and a laptop using a Linksys wireless card and a linksys router which then connects to my DSL Modem. My home network works for the most part. Both computers can access the internet and both computers can see each other in my network manager. I can access the files on the laptop from the PC, but my problem is that I can't access the files on the PC from the laptop. I get the message equivalent of 'I don't have proper permissions to access the PC. Access denied.' I have shared the folders correctly on the PC though. I have read articles for the past week and have tried about everything I can think of, but am missing something. I have tried turning on and off the Windows Firewall, but no luck. Any ideas?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by MartyMcFly

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Short summary and focused checks for the behavior described by (and echoed by and ): being able to open a specific shared folder but getting “access denied” when trying to browse the other PC usually points to an authentication/visibility mismatch or a network‑browsing problem — not the physical wireless link. and are right to look at sharing and router setup; the following items are the common, often‑overlooked causes that will actually stop the machine from appearing in Network Neighborhood even when a direct share works.

  • Services to verify: make sure the Server, Workstation, Computer Browser, TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper and RPC services are running and set to start automatically. These are what supply the browse list and SMB access.
  • Adapter bindings: in the NIC properties ensure “Client for Microsoft Networks” and “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks” are installed and checked so SMB traffic is accepted.
  • NetBIOS over TCP/IP: enable NetBIOS on the adapter (TCP/IP → Advanced → WINS → Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP). Network browsing and master‑browser elections depend on it.
  • File-system vs share permissions: confirm the filesystem (NTFS) security for the shared folder isn’t denying the account that connects — share permissions alone don’t override NTFS denies.
  • Router/AP settings and firewalls: check for wireless client isolation (AP/client isolation) on the router and any third‑party security suites on either PC that could block SMB ports. Windows Firewall needs the File and Printer Sharing exception enabled, but third‑party products can silently block traffic.
  • Diagnostics to collect if problem persists: service status, whether the share is on an NTFS drive, and whether wireless isolation is enabled on the router.

These checks address the gap between “a share works” and “the machine won’t browse” and will often resolve the exact symptoms described in this thread.

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Member Avatar for MartyMcFly

If at run you type \\pcname or \\ipaddress (using the other PCs name or ipaddress) do you see the base level file for that PC. The folder should contain Printers and Faxes and Scheduled tasks at the least.

If you have any shared files configured, they should be here. Let us know how this works.

Make sure you configure everyone in the properties and give at least read permissions.

If it is the firewall, it should notify you I would of thought, and I would advise you configure WEP encryption if you are sharing files over a semi-wireless network.

Member Avatar for WGB001

If I type \\pcname I get the same error 'Access Denied.' However when I typed \\pcname\shared folder name I was able to see the folder. This is great because at least now I am connected and can access files if I look for them specifically. Is there any reason you can think of that I am not able to browse shared files in network neighborhood or explorer? Thanks for your help.

Member Avatar for MartyMcFly

You may get some luck if you give them the same workgroup name.

Best thing to do is to run the Network setup Wizard, (I can't remember where it is because I'm on XP Pro at work)

I've got to set up some shared files on my XP home PCs on the weekend, so if I can think of anything else will let you know.

Member Avatar for garycib

Following on from MartyMcFly's suggestion you can set up your network in XPHome from a few places, this is the same for all computers on the network - from MyNetworkPlaces in your start menu (or from Control Panel - Network Connections) navigate to Network Tasks then - Set up a home or small office network and follow the wizard instructions using the same workgroup name - default is MSHOME. I have never bothered with creating a network disk. I also allocate fixed IP addresses for W/LAN computers then use the router management to associate MAC address with IP address and use WPA-PSK encryption.

Member Avatar for pilgrim.paul

Arial
I am having the exact same problem. I get access denied when trying to access my desktop shared files but the desktop can see my laptop's files ok. Only when I go run \\pcname\shared folder name can I access the folder. I did have Roxio 5 basic but deleted it after failing to upgrade. This has made no difference. Can anyone help?

Member Avatar for aeinstein

follow garycib's instructions for a start.

Member Avatar for pilgrim.paul

follow garycib's instructions for a start.

Already did that that's why I'm still asking for ideas or suggestions.

Member Avatar for dumbkidinthebox

hello everybody,

i am having the same problem setting up a home network using xp Home edition.


i have 2 computers, a dell and a HP. connects to the Belkin wireless router.

the dell connects to the router by a CAT5 network cable, while the HP connects wireless to the router, and both can access to the internet.

i am trying to setup a home network so i can transfer files between the 2 pcs

i ran the network setup wizard on both computers; but i cannot even see the other computer from "My network place" in each of the computer; i have shared some folders in both computers, but the problem is i can't even see the other computer, in both pcs.

any idea what has gone wrong ?

Member Avatar for MartyMcFly

You can find out the name of your PC by right clicking My Computer and looking at Properties, it is under computer name tab.

Then on the other pc Run in Start menu "\\pcname" (without " and where pcname is the other PCs name, or IP address)

This will show all available shares on that PC. If you can see any and access them, think about security before putting too much in there. If access is denied, it will bring up a box with account and password required where you put username - pcname\username then password for the account on the PC you are trying to access.

As per my earlier stuff, make sure you have the same workgroup name.

I will try and update this post with some better info.

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