Cannot send/receive files...please help

I am running XP, have a cable modem, router, and hub, but cannot transfer files to or from my computer through network neighborhood, AOL IM, or Yahoo Messenger. The only firewall I have running is the XP firewall enabled. I had no problems with this when I used win 98...since the 'upgrade' I haven't even been able to share my printer(it shows up in net neighborhood however the error saying the printer is not accessible or printer not responding always shows up). I don't know if the two problems are related, just thought it might provide more detail. I have tried everything that I can think of(not that much) to no avail. Any help will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Mike

 

Disconnect from the cable modem (for safety) and then disable the XP firewall. If your local network behaves then, you just need to adjust some of the port settings on the firewall.

Also, it would help to know what other operating systems you have and where the printer is located. There could easily be a permissions issue on your network as well. Easily corrected.

In fact, very possibly a LAN permissions issue (printers & files) and internet firewall port issue (messenger, etc.).

 

ok, disabling the firewall did resolve the problems with the other computers. The printer is connected directly to my computer. One other computer on the lan is running win xp, the other two are running win 98 se. The problem with the printer is no longer really an issue as it has stopped working completely. I'm trying some different things to try and bring it back. How do I know what ports to use as exceptions to the firewall? thanks.

Mike

 

TCP ports 6891-6900

http://messenger.jonathankay.com/allsteps.aspx?ID=16

 

And you should be able to set the firewall to allow all your local PCs to work with each other. Usually some way to exclude them from being checked at all.

 

Thank you all for your help! It's working great! The printer is up and running. Access has been restored and I am once again able to transceive files.

Michael

 

Very good - and thank you for posting back to let us know.