[snachicat]

Hi guys. c:

Alright, so I have a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router with two computers connected to it via ethernet. One is running Windows Vista, the other Windows XP. I have a printer connected to the Vista box and I can print with it from the XP as well as share files between the two.

I also have a laptop (running XP) that connects to the router wirelessly. It is in the same workgroup (WORKGROUP) as both the XP and Vista. The Vista sees it when I look for other computers on my network, but I can't connect to it.

The laptop doesn't recognize any other computers on the network. How can I get it to do that, so I can print and share files and stuff? Or is the router just evil... Er, secure enough that it won't let me?

[sdikevin]

Does that laptop have file and print sharing enabled?
Does it have a software firewall enabled on it? If it does shut it down, there really is no need for a software firewall (unless you are using it to control apps) if your behind a NAT firewall router.

[snachicat]

Ah. Turns out Norton had a firewall up that was blocking it. Thanks.

Dunno if I'm comfortable with just using the router firewall, though, so I'm gonna go figure out what holes I need to poke in Norton's...

Thanks again! c:

[sdikevin]

I don't know much about norton's firewal (i know i don't trust it) but..there really is no need for it all. The Router puts you behind a NAT (ie the outside world only see the IP address your ISP gives, never your computers IP) I would turn the firewall part off, but leave on the app protection. (if it is like other firewall programs it will ask you if a program can access the network or not) I use to swear by software firewalls myself, but now that i'm behind a Sonic Wall... lol no need to worry.

[snachicat]

Heh. Well, Norton gave me an option to trust specific network locations, so I just plugged in the Vista's MAC address and it's working fine.

I guess the router firewall is good, but if I disable Norton's firewall it gets all doomsday on me, and this being my mom's computer, that would freak her out. And I don't know if I can just leave on app protection. I'll have to look into that Sonic Wall thing...

[sdikevin]

Sonic walls are for small business and such, they are great, but they have a nice price tag too.