Small office file sharing issue

I am attempting to enable file sharing between two computers in my office. I attempted to use the Network Setup Wizard to accomplish this, but it hasn't worked as expected.

Both computer connects to the internet through a router.

Here's the problem -

On the "main" computer, when I go to "View Computers in this Workgroup ", I can see both computers. However, I cannot access the files on the other computer. When I click the same option on the other computer, it gives this error:

"Workgroup is not accessible. You might not have permission...

The list of servers for this workgroup is not currently available. "

So, essentially, I can't share the files between the two yet.
The firewall for both is set up to "except" file sharing.

I would greatly appreciate any and all help! Thank you!

 

They both use Windows XP.

 

Here is what is happening:

When computer A try's to access computer B, computer B looks for a credential on Computer A that it recognizes and their is none so it errors out.

Computer A and Computer B need a user account that match.
What I do is create an account on both computers called Local-User with a password of password.

Or:
If computer A has a user account of Tom with a password of 1234 then create an account on computer B of Tom with a password of 1234.

If computer B has a user account of Nancy with a password of 1234 then create a account on Computer A of Nancy with a password of 1234.

The current users can continue to use their original account. They just need an account matching on the opposite machine with Administrator Privileges.

 

Okay, thank you, I will try that and then post here about results.

 

So here's the thing. I did what you said and then restarted the computers. Everything worked perfectly and I was just about to reply saying so. But then I was considering something else and went back to view the folders of the other computer from the one I am on currently...and it did not work. Both computers are able to see that the other is on the network, but I am no longer able to click on the other computer - it gives a similar error, saying I do not have the appropriate access. It honestly was working only twenty minutes earlier.

Do you know why this is?

Thank you!

 

Firewall maybe?

Were you prompted for credentials?

Do you have matching accounts on both machines with Admin privileges?

 

I checked the Firewall settings and it's already set to allow File and Printer Sharing. I'm not prompted for credentials, just given that popup error. And yes, I've created an account on each computer with the same username and password that have Admin privileges.

 

I know at least one is XP Home - not sure about the other one. I'm no longer on site, so I will contact someone who is to find out about the other computer.

 

It looks like they are both the same edition of XP - Home, Service Pack 3.

 

That is what I originally did, but it did not work - what I mentioned in my original post occurred.

EDIT - Ok, I was just informed that one of the computers is actually Pro, not Home, so I was do what TonyT suggested and reply back here.

Thanks!

 

Hi MollyEH,

Wanted to know, after doing what TonyT told you is the error still the same? if so are you using an anti-virus that has its own firewall? If so try disabling it, if still let me know.