unable to share files

Hello,
I was trying to configure my brother's computers to share internet and files, it seemed very simple, but now I gave up, We have a desktop and laptop both running Windows XP Pro and an Edimax ES 3105 switch. As sregards to internet sharing it was no problem, as soon as we connected the cable modem and computer to swithch we had internet instantly but as regards to file sharing it seems impossible, we tried running the network wizzard with different settings but never succeded in sharing files.

Any suggestions please

p.s. all firewalls disabled

 

Presumably you have set up a workgroup on both computers and set the files as shared? If not do that first.

Other things to try (unless you've already tried them) are :-
1. Turn off (preferably uninstall) any firewall that is running and run your anti-virus software to ensure the PC is clean.
2. Check the account you are using has Administrator’s privileges by going to Start, Run, type control userpasswords2 (note the space) and press enter. (If you intend to change anything create a system restore point first, just in case you get locked out). Highlight your User Name and check if you are an administrator. If not click Properties, Group Membership and make yourself an administrator. Use this account to set up file-sharing.
3. Have a look in Event Viewer, System and check if there are any errors (if so follow them up).
4. Can you browse to the shared folders by typing \\computer name\shared folder name into the Address bar.
5. Have you tried ‘unsharing’ then sharing the files again, and then rebooting. Has the little hand appeared underneath the filename(s).
6. Start, Run, type cmd and press enter. Type net user guest and press enter. Can you see account active = yes? If not, type net user guest /active:yes (note the spaces).

 

I have done most of the things before except step no:6 which after executing command line everything seems to be ok

 

You could try giving the workgroup a different name on both computers and/or go to Folder Options, View, browse to the bottom and tick 'simple file sharing'

 

I changed workgroup from mshome to homenet and checked simple file sharing (recommended) and I found it already selected

 

What do you get if you go to My Network Places then View Workgroup Computers in the left pane?

It should show them and then you right-click and 'explore' the files.

 

when I go to my network places and click on view workgroup computers I only see one icon representing the computer I am working on but not the other, and when I open I can see shared documents and printer

 

All I can suggest is to 'unshare' the files on the PC that's not working and then share them again.

 

I have done this several times. I have also added other folders but the final result is that every computer see itself but bo icons whatsoever of the other, I must be missing something somewhere. I will now try to get some help from the retail shop I bought the swithch from they are very helpful and maybe they will help me out. Thank you for your help.