Networking help - computer sharing issue

[lorinser75]

Hey guys, I need some help in trying to solve an issue that we have in our small company.
We are a small business of 4 people, and none of us are IT expert , but we know a little bit about networking. A little bit of background of the issue:

We have 4 PC & 2 laptops, all of them are still running XP, except for one PC which is running Windows 7. Everything was running great for several years. We can access all the files in other PCs (wired) or laptops (wireless) back & forth thru network via Linksys Router & AT&T DSL modem. Then last week, our Phone bill shot up sky high, and AT&T recommended us to upgrade to AT&T U-verse, so we did. & then, now we can access other PCs thru the network (wired) EXCEPT for the laptops which are both connected to the Network via WIRELESS. For some reason, all the PCs couldn't find both laptops now. The At&T U-verse consists of a Motorola modem/Router but i think the AT&T tech used it as a bridge? (idk 100%) bec. they are still using my linksys router.

What could be an issue here? any help will be appreciated. I know there are many ways to transfer files (wired, usb etc) back & forth to the laptops, but me & my colleagues just want to know what could be an issue here. is it the At&t router/modem that block it? bec. that's the only thing that changed recently in the setup.

Thx again for the help

 

[JackMDS]

First check the network to make sure that every thing is on the same subnet*

You can use this to find to IPs of the components - http://www.softperfect.com/products/networkscanner/

If everything is on the same network (subnet) it might be that ATT changed the parameters to fit their system and the sharing configuration has to be re-done.

 

[lorinser75]

Thx Jack...Will def try that this afternoon.

Just one thing though, why just the wireless laptops that get lost in the network? do you mean At&T changed the wireless parameters in their Motorola cable modem/router? is there a specific parameter in the motorola modem/router that i need to check/change? I know there is no change in the settings of the linksys router that we had before.

 

[JackMDS]

Thx Jack...Will def try that this afternoon.

Just one thing though, why just the wireless laptops that get lost in the network? do you mean At&T changed the wireless parameters in their Motorola cable modem/router? is there a specific parameter in the motorola modem/router that i need to check/change? I know there is no change in the settings of the linksys router that we had before.

I do not know what ATT people do.

I know that when I have a problem with my Network I take steps of technological sound evaluations to find out whate is the current status of the Network, and correct whatever is out of "Sync".

 

[lorinser75]

Thx again Jack.
I tried to download the link that you gave me and it asked me to register with business e-mail etc...so i google another free software called "advanced IP Scanner".

Ran the software, and it picked up the laptops IP & Mac add.
But it still doesn't find it in network computer.

What is the best way to start Re-doing the configuration, Jack? Un-do all sharing, then re-doing it?

 

[JackMDS]

This is the long story.

The following looks like a long story (it is only 600 words). I do not know what the user's overall knowledge is, and what exactly was already done. Thus the info goes through the motions of configuring and checking most of the common aspects of Windows OS' LAN features.

All aspects should be checked, stating that it "worked before" , or persevering on"I did Not do any thing ", is not a way to deal with current Sharing problems.
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Win7 when configured on peer-to-peer Network has three types of Sharing configurations.

HomeGroup = Works only between Win 7 computers. This type of configuration makes it very easy to Entry Level Users to start Network sharing.

Home Network or Work Network = Basically similar(and better) to the previous methods of Work Group sharing that let you control what, how, and to whom folders would be shared with.

Public Sharing = Public Network (like Internet cafe) to reduce security risks.

For best results log to each computer's System Screen and set all the computers to be on a with the same Work Group name while each computer has its own unique name.

http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_name.jpg

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Make sure that the Software Firewall, AV, or other components of Security allow free local traffic on all Networked computers. If you use 3rd party Security On, Vista/XP Native Firewall should be Off, and the active Firewall has to adjusted to your Network IP numbers on what is some time called the Trusted Zone (consult your 3rd Party Firewall instructions

General example, http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#trusted

Please Note that some 3rd party Software Firewalls/AV/Security suits keep blocking aspects of Local Traffic even it they are turned Off (disabled). If possible configure the Firewall correctly, or totally uninstall it to allow clean flow of local network traffic.
If end up with the 3rd party software uninstalled or disabled, make sure that Windows native Firewall is On .

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If your network is comprised of Win 7 only and you want a simple Network, use this.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/videos/sharing-files-with-homegroup
After configuring the Homegroup scroll down to the Permission/Security section.
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Networking Win 7 with other version of Windows as Work Network (works very well if all computers are Win 7 too).
In the Network Center, clicking on the Network type opens the window to the right.
Choose your type of Network. Notice the check mark at the bottom, and check/uncheck it according to your needs.
http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_type.jpg
Win 7 - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Networking-home-computers-running-different-versions-of-Windows

Win 7 Work Network specific folder sharing - http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windows7/windows7_sharing.htm

Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

In Win XP Pro with simple sharing Off, you can Visually see the Permission/Security setting , and configure them to your liking.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/accesscontrol.mspx#securityTab
Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista (Not need for XP-SP3) - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

When finished with the setting of the system it is advisable to Reboot all the hardware including the Router and all computers involved.
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If you have Permission and Security issues with Vista/Win7, check the following settings.
Point to the a Folder that meant to to be share. Right click and choose properties.
In the properties
Click on the Security tab shown in the pic bellow to the right) and check that the users and their permission (shown in the pic bellow center and left) are correctly configured. Then do the same to the Permission tab.
This screen shot is from Win 7, Vista's menus are similar.
http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/Permission-Security.jpg
In both the Security panel, and the Permission panel you have to highlight each User/Group and examine that the Permission Controls are checked correctly.
When everything is OK, Reboot the Network (Router, and computer).
* Note . The Groups and Users shown in the screen-shoot are just an example. Your list will look the way your system is configured.
**Note . All users that are allowed to share need to have account onall the computers that they are allowed to connect to.
Everyone is an account, it means a group of all of the users that already have an account and been established as users. It is available to avoid the need of configuring permission to each on its own, it does not mean Everyone that feel that they would like to login.
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If more control is needed take a look at this page, http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Share-files-and-folders-over-the-network-from-Windows-Vista-Inside-Out

 

[Fardringle]

If your wired PCs are connected to the Linksys router, make sure the wireless laptops are also connecting to the wireless connection on the Linksys router and not the wireless connection on the Motorola Modem/Router.

 

[lorinser75]

Thx for the info Jack. I think that is a good info. I'm gonna read up and work on that.

Fardringle, i'll make sure of that. But I think it is connected to the linksys router bec. the laptop connect that automatically (from previous setting), but i'll verify that also.

 

[lorinser75]

ALL FIXED now...!!! Thx Jack & Fard for your input. Really appreciate !!