Different operating systems problem

I have a laptop which I use for work using one domain name and a desktop using another name on a routered network. Why can't the PCs see each other in Network Neighbourhood?

 

The computers will need to both be members of the same domain or workgroup and also file and printer sharing will need to be installed & enabled on both computers.

 

This is a bit vague. Are you talking about a laptop that you take home and then want t connect to a PC there?

Check the IP addresses on each. Since you don't state which OSs you are using - Win98 - Start > Run > Winipcfg. For XP/2K - Start > Run > cmd. In the commnad prompt type ipconfig.

DRD

 

Hi
My problem is -
I have a home network using an ADSL router and a 10 port switch. One of the PCs on this network is running Windows ME. When I connect my work laptop which uses Windows XP pro I cannot see my home network in Network Neighbourhood and vice versa. I don't want to change any settings on the laptop. Hope you can help.

thanks

 

Again, check the IP addresses.

XP - Start > Run > cmd. Then type ipconfig.

ME - Star > Run > winipcfg.

The addresses need to be in the same range. For example 192.168.0.2 & 192.168.0.3.

Most likely though you have an issue that relates to workgroup names, as stated above. Try connecting using the address. For example in XP - Start > Run > \\192.168.0.xxx (xxx represents the address of the ME machine).

If this works, post back here and I will give you a workaround.

DRD

 

Change your home computers workgroup name to the same name as the Domain name your laptop is in.

 

Good idea

DRD

 

And a little hint from experience. Make sure it is SPELLED the same.

Mhsome is not Mshome. And neither is mshome.

I spent 1/2 a day Bi****** at Windows XP Pro. unitl my wife discovered the different spelling.

Now a question.

I have seen both Domain and Workgroup mentioned in this and other threads. Is there a difference ?

BillyBob

 

Very much so but they will work together when configured properly.

A computer that is a member of xyz.com has to authenicate with the XYZ.com domain controller which administrates policys for that computer account and user account. If no DC is present it logs on with cached information stored on the local machine. (aka away from work at home)

A computer that is not a member of a domain depends on local user and computer accounts to administrate policy.

Back in A+ and MCSE days Microsoft refered to it as Domain or Peer to Peer.

 

As stated domains and workgroups are different but when it comes to Network Neighbourhood there are some strong similarities. The list in NN is built using the browser service (not the same as an internet browser) by both domains and workgroups, although with Active Directory there have been some changes.

Computers that are in the same domain/workgroup get listed together in NN. That is why having them set the same will assist in this situation.

DRD