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3rd September 2008, 03:18 AM
|  | Newcomer | | Join Date: Feb 2008, 47 posts. Location: Bethpage, NY Reputation:  | | | Inconsistent file sharing and home network access
We are having a problem with consistent network access and file sharing.
We have a main PC desktop where we store our main file and back up files. This is where we have the main printer connected locally. Using 2 laptops connecting by wireless. Often the when trying to access the network we get an error that it is not available or access is denied.
THe main PC has Norton Internet Security 2008. One laptop uses ZoneAlarm virus protection.
It is so frustrating at one point we did not have this problem. We don't know what to do. Can someone offer advice? Do we need to start over? Delete some stuff and install some new?
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3rd September 2008, 08:33 AM
|  | TST Oracle | | Join Date: Jul 2008, 8,171 posts. Location: UK Norfolk ..... Reputation:  | |
Hello and welcome to TST
Are all the computers running the same operating system ? ie xp vista please
I used this guide when i set up mine  . not that im a dummy but the instructions are clear Windows XP Wireless Network Setup Wizard - For Dummies
__________________ Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming...
Damn, What a ride!!
Last edited by Blackmirror; 3rd September 2008 at 08:37 AM.
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3rd September 2008, 08:35 AM
|  | TST Oracle | | Join Date: Dec 2007, 8,001 posts. Location: Market Haemorrhoids, Middle England Reputation:  | | |
Intermittent errors like this are often down to hardware errors, although an Windows update can cause firewalls to suddenly reject previously stable networks.
I would try the laptops using a patch cable connection to the router if you can - you need clear the wireless connection as a possible cause.
Also turn off all the firewalls.
__________________ Confuse and Prosper. | 
7th September 2008, 07:39 PM
|  | Newcomer | | Join Date: Feb 2008, 47 posts. Location: Bethpage, NY Reputation:  | | |
Blackmirror
The original network was setup usijng the wizard but that was prior to have a wireless network. Can I use the wizard to revise the existing network. What I meant is can I use the same network name and run the wizard again?
Albert Lionheart
I will connect directly using a patch cord and see it changes.
I do think there could be some firewall conflicts or problems but I am not sure how to figure it out.
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7th September 2008, 09:32 PM
|  | TST Master | | Join Date: Dec 2007, 2,107 posts. Location: England Reputation:  | | |
Norton?? Ew, it's a horrible bit of software.
You would be better off using some of the free software that is recommended in the malware removal forum.
__________________ "If at first you do not succeed, sit down, have a coffee, have a smoke, and think for a bit. If that still doesn't work, post it on TST". | 
7th September 2008, 11:06 PM
|  | TST Oracle | | Join Date: Jul 2008, 8,171 posts. Location: UK Norfolk ..... Reputation:  | | Quote:
Originally Posted by laz Blackmirror
The original network was setup usijng the wizard but that was prior to have a wireless network. Can I use the wizard to revise the existing network. What I meant is can I use the same network name and run the wizard again?
. | Albert is away for a week im afraid
i would delete the old network and run the wizard again
__________________ Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming...
Damn, What a ride!! | 
8th September 2008, 11:16 AM
|  | TST Enthusiast | | Join Date: Jul 2008, 279 posts. Reputation:  | | Quote:
Originally Posted by laz We are having a problem with consistent network access and file sharing.
It is so frustrating at one point we did not have this problem. | What have you done to since it last worked as it did? Have you added any security software, have you changed any network settings?
As for setting it up a fresh I suggest setting it all up manually, dont bother with the wizard its no quicker or easier in my opinion, I tried it once just to see and it was more hassle than it is worth, I could've done it quicker manually myself
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13th September 2008, 04:04 AM
|  | Newcomer | | Join Date: Sep 2008, 27 posts. Location: Caribean Reputation:  | | |
Check your routers firmware.
An out dated firmware may cause those symptoms.
Also make sure that all of your wireless channels are Synchronized.
Check your area for intercepting devices... Microwaves close to the routers area , 2.4GHZ cordless phones , Old big screen TV´s or other wireless networks.
Check your cables ... make sure that they are not pinned or pressed against any object.
Check and see if they are cut or scrapped.
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14th September 2008, 07:47 PM
|  | Account Disabled | | Join Date: Sep 2008, 82 posts. Reputation:  | | Quote:
Originally Posted by laz We are having a problem with consistent network access and file sharing.
We have a main PC desktop where we store our main file and back up files. This is where we have the main printer connected locally. Using 2 laptops connecting by wireless. Often the when trying to access the network we get an error that it is not available or access is denied.
THe main PC has Norton Internet Security 2008. One laptop uses ZoneAlarm virus protection.
It is so frustrating at one point we did not have this problem. We don't know what to do. Can someone offer advice? Do we need to start over? Delete some stuff and install some new? | Do all "workgroups" have the same workgroup name? You can see by right clicking "My Computer" and choosing "Properties".
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15th September 2008, 01:52 PM
|  | Newcomer | | Join Date: Sep 2008, 27 posts. Location: Caribean Reputation:  | | |
You should really consider , checking up on your routers firmware....
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8th November 2008, 09:16 PM
|  | Newcomer | | Join Date: Feb 2008, 47 posts. Location: Bethpage, NY Reputation:  | | |
I am using a Linksys router, how do I find a firmware upgrade?
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8th November 2008, 10:19 PM
|  | Account Disabled | | Join Date: Sep 2008, 82 posts. Reputation:  | | | | 
8th November 2008, 11:34 PM
|  | Newcomer | | Join Date: Feb 2008, 47 posts. Location: Bethpage, NY Reputation:  | | |
Thanks.
I have updated the firmware in our router.
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9th November 2008, 12:01 AM
|  | Account Disabled | | Join Date: Sep 2008, 82 posts. Reputation:  | | |
Great glad to help.
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9th November 2008, 10:39 PM
|  | Newcomer | | Join Date: Feb 2008, 47 posts. Location: Bethpage, NY Reputation:  | | |
The firmware on the router has been updated but I still do not have consistant access to the network. I think I should recreate the home network. I am using Norton Internet Security for protection. Do I use window setup to create the network.
How do I find the IP and Mac addresses for the PCs on the network?
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10th November 2008, 07:36 AM
|  | TST Oracle | | Join Date: Dec 2007, 8,001 posts. Location: Market Haemorrhoids, Middle England Reputation:  | | |
to find the IP and mac address for each machine, on each machine open the run box, type in cmd and OK. At the flashing prompt type ipconfig /all and hit enter. This will give you the mac address shown as physical address and the machine IP address is shown as IP address. The IP address for the router (which has to be the same for all machines on the network!) is shown as default gateway.
I would be inclined to blame norton for all of your troubles and would uninstall it using the downloadable uninstall norton tool before doing anything else.
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