Error message "\\desktop name is not accessible. You might not havepermission..."

Hello networking gurus,

My sincerest apologies in advance - this is a long post. I hope it
makes sense. It may be a bit disjointed. And I was a lousy English
class student, too. (hoping the tabbed sentences in this post keep
their formatting)

PLEASE HELP! I'm so overwhelmed and frustrated by all the information
I've been reading. I'm having trouble helping myself because in
reading the many helpful suggestions (found through Google searches),
there are, in most cases, no instructions on _how_ to perform the
suggestions. I desperately need step-by-step hand holding. A check
list of things to check and how to check them would be a blessing.

I've found and successfully corrected a few settings on my computers
in an attempt to set up a simple home network. Thought I was making
some progress, too. Until now. I'm at at a complete loss as to what to
do next to get my network properly working.

Info that may help:
- Desktop: WinXP Professional SP2 (Generic build), ZoneAlarm firewall
& Avast! antivirus reside in the systray.
- Laptop: WinXP Media Center Edition SP2(Professional?) (HP Compaq
Presario), ZoneAlarm firewall & Avast! antivirus reside in the
systray.
- Linksys WRT54GX2 router.

Both computer's ZoneAlarm firewalls have been configured with an IP
address range to allow access. Each has a different name for the range
(think I read somewhere that this should be done, but don't know
why).

I'm the admin on both computers. Guest accounts on both computers are
enabled (don't know why that matters). User names are (now) the same
on both computers. I've never seen a window asking for a password, on
either computer. The laptop has two users, myself and my husband. The
desktop has one user, myself.

History:
Back in January 2007 I tried to set up a home network. Successfully
connected both computers to the internet with a little help from
Linksys. Attempted to set up printer and file sharing. After a ton of
reading and many failed attempts, I gave up in frustration. :-
( (don't recall if I initially used the Network Setup Wizard and
wondering if I should do so now and risk losing what does work)

Current brain status:
MUSH

Current network status:
Desktop and laptop are connected to the internet via a Linksys
WRT54GX2 router. The desktop is wired to the router. The laptop is
connected wirelessly. The desktop can see shared folders on, and save
files to, the laptop. The laptop cannot do this with the desktop.
Details on this follow below.

Yesterday's achievement (Yay!):
Two printers directly connected to the desktop can now be printed to
by the laptop (wirelessly). I'd followed the instructions here:
http://www.howtonetworking.com/Networking/sharing12.htm . I haven't
tried printing to the laptop from the desktop because I don't need
that capability, but it would most likely work.

I then followed the instructions for file sharing here (though I did
not "make the shared folder into a drive letter"):
http://www.howtonetworking.com/Networking/sharing13.htm But, I'm not
sure if I'm doing it correctly. I'd figured this procedure would be as
easy as setting up printer sharing. Ha! Something isn't right.

Now at first, I thought the network setup was successful because I'm
able to print to the two printers, and the desktop can see folders on,
and save files to, the laptop. ...

However, the folder hierarchy on the computers doesn't look right to
me.(?) In My Network Places on both computers, there is a separate
folder for each computer, namely Mshome and Workgroup.

Example:

-My Network Places
-Entire Network
-Microsoft Windows Network
-Mshome
<desktop computer name>
-Workgroup
<laptop computer name>

Is this right? I keep reading that I'm supposed to make sure that both
computers are on the same workgroup, but I don't understand how to
accomplish this. I can't even recall how I managed to get the laptop
listed under "Workgroup" (through using a Wizard maybe?). Remember, my
brain is mush.

The other thing that has me stumped is that on the laptop, I cannot
access the desktop computer under

-Mshome
<desktop computer name>

When I click on it I get the ol' message:

X "\\desktop name is not accessible. You might not have permission to
use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to
find out if you have access permissions. Access is denied."

So, as the admin, how do I "not have permission to use this network
resource"? And, how do I give myself permission. Windows help file
didn't enlighten me. On both computers, under My Computer > Manage >
Local Users and Groups > Groups > Administrators > Properties, my user
name is listed. Not much of a name either: Intel Gamer. Would
like to fix this some other day...

Also (on the laptop), when I follow the file sharing instructions
mentioned above (http://www.howtonetworking.com/Networking/
sharing13.htm) and in the address bar, type in the share name \
\computer name\folder, the folder appears as a subfolder under "Entire
Network", not under

-Mshome
<desktop computer name>

(as it should be?)

But, I'm able to see the shared desktop folder and successfully drag
files to/from it. However, I cannot SAVE files directly to that
folder.

Also (on the laptop), the shared folder will then disappear when
either computer is put to sleep, etc., and to gain access to it I
must, again, at My network Places, type in \\computer name\folder. It
seems I have a quasi network.

Now, I did several Google searches for the error message "\\desktop
name is not accessible..." and find a LOT of posts from people
experiencing this problem. I see a LOT of links being given and
helpful suggestions made. I've read the information at the web links,
but the suggestions state what to do not _how_ to do it. The web pages
with tech support "forms" one fills out to get an automated answer
baffle me and I'm unable to input anything useful in order to get a
solution. I need step by step hand-holding.

For instance, one suggestion is to make sure the "computers are on the
same workgroup". But I don't know what this means, or where to look to
see if they are, and how to correct it.

I've spent hours putting this post together. I pray it helps you to
help me.

Cheryl (who is now going back to reading and tinkering)

 

Update:

Well, I figured if I shut down/turn on everything, maybe this would
fix something. But now it's just weird.

On the laptop, I can no longer see, under Microsoft Windows Network:

-Mshome
<desktop computer name>

But, when I "search for computers", it finds the desktop and shows it
in folder Mshome. At My Network Places, if I type \\computer name
\folder in the address bar, it adds \\computer name\folder under
Entire Network and I can access the folder.

This is entirely too frustrating for me. Either I'm just going to
admit defeat and give up being able to share files, or I'll call in an
expert to set it up for me. Sheeesh!

Does anyone at all have a simple solution to the mystery? This
shouldn't be so difficult. What am I missing?

Thank you for patiently reading my posts. I'm sure you've read of this
situation a thousand times.

Cheryl (getting ready to throw in the towel)

 

Answering myself again.

"Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network
settings,

http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html "

I just discovered this link after reading more posts here. Maybe it
will help. Too tired now, will look at it in the morning. Oh wait, it
IS morning...

Cheryl

 

(Approx. 100 lines of extraneous matter deleted)

1. Remove all networks
2. Write down the workgroup name of computer A,
as shown via / control panel / system
3. On computer B, run the Network Wizard.
3b. When prompted, input the same workgroup name.
3c. As last step, make a NETSETUP floppy.
4. Run NETSETUP on computer A.

The key word is SHARE, explained in on-line help. You have to
assign the other computer (or at least one of its folders) for
FILE SHARING.

 

Thank you so much, Don, for your kind help.

So, I'm starting from scratch setting up the network again? I may be
confusing setting up an internet connection with setting up a home
network. Your instructions deal only with setting up the network,
correct? I'm concerned about losing my internet connection. Will it be
affected by removing the networks? If so, and I get stuck, how will I
get back here for further help?

I want to be sure I understand you correctly:

1. Am I to remove all networks on _both_ computers or just the laptop?
The desktop Network Connections shows only a Local Area Connection
icon (the icon is a simple T connector - no monitors), Status shows
it's connected 100 Mbps. The laptop Network Connections shows three
icons: 1394 Connection (Disabled); Local Area Connection (Disabled);
Wireless Network Connection 2 (Connected) Broadcom 802.11b WLAN)

1b. By "remove" do you mean delete?

2. Does Computer A denote the desktop that is wired to the Linksys
router and Computer B the laptop I
want to connect wirelessly? Computer A's workgroup name is MSHOME.

3. Under Network and Internet Connections there are many choices. The
pertinent ones are:

o. Set up or change your internet connection (launches Internet
Properties-Setup window, which I don't want);

o. Set up or change your home or small office network (launches
Network Setup Wizard, not sure if this is what I want);

o. Set up a wireless network for a home or small office (launches
Wireless Network Setup Wizard, not sure if this is what I want).

Also, under Network Connections there is a sidebar with Network Tasks,
one of which is "Create a new connection". Clicking this brings up a
New Connection Wizard.

Very confusing.

3c. Will the (to be determined) Wizard tell me to make a NETSETUP
floppy? Or must I find out where to do this?

A floppy? Both computers are fairly new.

Desktop - shop built: DVD_RW; CD-ROM (56); Iomega Zip; and 3.5" floppy
drive.
Laptop - Presario : DVD/CD-ROM drive and access to a portable USB
Iomega Zip drive.

Will a CD-R do?

I truly appreciate your taking the time to help me. Thank you!

(I apologize for being too simplistic)

Cheryl

 

Sorry, Don, it seems your answer has raised more questions!

I forgot to ask:

If I'm starting the home network from scratch, will it be necessary to
tell the (to be determined) Wizard what security setting to use? For
instance, the Linksys WRT54GX2 router is currently set to WPA/WPA2
Personal, WPA is enabled, WPA2 is disabled. (I know both computers
need to be set the same - how to do this?).

I have no qualms about entering the router's setup page online to make
changes. I'd like to increase my security settings. How do I find the
highest security setting that can be used on each computer? After
finding this out, I suppose changing it in the router should come
before setting up the network, or does it not matter? Regarding
network security, where do passwords come into play, and how do I set
them up?

Also, I want to change the computer names and the user names to
something more meaningful, wouldn't this be the best time to do it?
_Before_ setting up the home network? (already know where/how to do
this)

Thanks again for your time and patience with me.

(believe it or not, I don't drink coffee, I'm just overtired...)
Cheryl

 

You need to understand that there are two networks involved. The first one
(aka WAN) exists between your router and your isp.
The second (aka LAN) exists between your router and your computers. You do
not setup the WAN other than furnishing a username and password
which your router uses to login to the WAN.

What we are discussing is how to setup the LAN. When Don said "remove all
networks", he meant removing the LAN from all of your computers.

Having done that, you first run the Network Setup Wizard on one of the
computers. During the process of executing this wizard, it will ask you if
you wish to
create a setup floppy. You certainly do. You take this floppy over to each
of the rest of your computers, and run the program that the wizard created.
This
setujp floppy insures that the basic parts of the network are setup
consistently.

If you are using wireless, then you setup the wireless settings on your
router. This setup includes the security method and the security key. You
must remember this key.
It also asks for the network name (which is used by the computers to select
which router they need to a

Then you go to each of the wireless computers and execute the Wireless
Network Setup Wizard. It will ask for the security method and the key. All
computers must
use the same method and the same key as the router.

When D

 

OOPs, forget about my prior post. I intended to delete it, but hit the
wrong key.

Cheryl:
It would seem that your problem is inconsistent security keys. However, at
this point, I agree that you need to start from a clean slate.
Whatever changes you make to the local network have no effect on the network
between your router and your ISP.
Jim

 

Thanks for responding Jim,

I've been reading Windows Help regarding home networking and file
sharing, Learned a bit more. But, I still don't feel confident enough
to delete anything.

Since reading your reply it's apparent I need to delete (or
uninstall??) the WLAN icon on the laptop. But, should the desktop's
only icon be deleted as well? It's a Local Area Connection. The icon
shows a simple T connector - no monitors - and the status shows it's
connected at 100 Mbps. I'm guessing "Yes", since I'm re-building the
network from the bottom up. Tell me I know what I'm doing please.

No offense, but I was hoping a MVP or two would pipe in with the
answers to my (undeniably) long list of questions and perhaps offer
some assurances. At this point, just knowing which icons to delete on
each computer will propel me to start the process Don suggested:

1. Remove all networks
(HOW? Delete or ?? and WHICH ICONS?)
2. Write down the workgroup name of computer A,
as shown via / control panel / system
3. On computer B, run the Network Wizard.
3b. When prompted, input the same workgroup name.
3c. As last step, make a NETSETUP floppy.
4. Run NETSETUP on computer A. if I know which icons to delete

Being disabled, when confined to bed, I rely on the laptop to continue
my work. I really need this network up and running soon.

Again, I very much appreciate your taking time from your busy schedule
to respond to my insecurities!

Cheers!
Cheryl

 

I didn't proof read well enough. Please ignore this line "if I know
which icons to delete" which appears after

4. Run NETSETUP on computer A.

Cheryl

 

You don't actually have to "delete" any network icons. In fact, you
will probably find it pretty hard to do so. On the other hand, if you
really don't like the clutter of seeing icons labeled "Local Area
Connection 2", "Local Area Connection 3", etc., I *think* you can get
rid of all icons (either LAN or Wireless Connection, as you like) by
going to Device Manager and uninstalling the relevant adapter. When
Windows re-boots, it should find the hardware, re-install it, and create
an icon for you without the number suffix.

Based on your original post, you seem to be about 90% of the way there
already.

Windows XP does NOT *require* that networked computers be in the same
workgroup. If they are, it just makes "Network Connections" look a
little neater.

If you would like to get the computers in the same workgroup, do the
following:
1. Pick one of the workgroups, e.g., Mshome.
2. On the *other* computer, right-click on "My Computer," select
Properties, and click the "Computer Name" tab. Then click the "Change"
button. In the space for "Workgroup" enter "Mshome" (without quotes)
and OK your way out. You may have to re-boot, but both computer should
be in the Mshome workgroup now.

Although you have XP Pro on both computers (Media Center is a superset
of XP Pro), you probably have left things at the default of "Simple File
Sharing." That's OK, but certain folders can't be shared using SFS,
such as "My Documents" or Windows system files. See
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/09mydocuments.htm

What folders have you attempted to share? Try a sub-folder of My
Documents, such as "My Pictures."

Note that you will not see the "Security" tab discussed in the
Practically Networked article unless you DISable Simple File Sharing.
If you want to use SFS, you can disable it, fix the permissions as
necessary, and then re-enable it.

--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm

 

Hi Lem,

_Just started_ reading the weblink you provided, because I'm still
getting that error message when clicking on Mshome in Windows Explorer
or clicking My Network Places, View workgroup computers, Office
Computer (Main). But, wanted to let you know I've read your reply and
made some adjustments, so now both computers are in the same
workgroup. So easy when you know how. Even changed the computer and
user names to make them more meaningful and deleted previously shared
folders from Windows Explorer to tidy it up. What a great website you
have! Thanks for providing this valuable resource to us.

Wondering if I have the network set up properly but just don't
understand the proper, elegant way, from the laptop, to wirelessly
access the shared files on the desktop. In Windows Explorer, the two
methods of access that I've tried and work are:

1. Map Network Drive. This gives wireless access (from the laptop) to
the \\MAIN\Personal folder (located on the desktop in G:\Cheryl's
Documents) via the laptop's My Computer > (P.

2. Type \\MAIN\Personal into the address bar of any Windows window.

I'm not able to access the entire folder, My Documents, with these
methods. But the weblink you provided addresses this. I'll work on
this later. It isn't critical.

As I said, clicking My Network Places, View workgroup computers,
Office Computer (Main) brings no joy. I still get the error message:

X "\\MAIN is not accessible. You might not have permission to use
this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to
find out if you have access permissions. Access is denied."

Please clarify for me: I should _not_ receive this error message when
attempting to access \\MAIN in this manner, correct? Your tutorial
will probably help me with this when I get to certain parts like
"access Windows XP Professional's shared disks and folders" and "file
permissions in the NTFS file system".

Simple File Sharing is now disabled on both computers (to enable
viewing of the Security tab) and I've looked at the folder Properties

Permissions. I have a little better understanding of permissions.
Still reading up on it at your website.

I've double-checked the entry of the router's IP Address Range in the
software firewalls (they match and are in the Trusted Zone) and the
Property settings of the Network Connections. Wondering: should I
enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP (Advanced TCP/IP Settings)? I vaguely
remember someone suggesting this in one of the many Google searches I
did. Doing so may not apply here as I can't recall in what context I
read this - information overload.

This is what I believe as well.

FYI, I'm starting from the beginning of your tutorial
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm
and working through it step-by-step. It will keep me focused.

You've been a great help, as have some other wonderful posters here.
Thanks so much!

Cheryl
(wish I could somehow delete the parts of my posts showing my
ignorance regarding (ugh) deleting the icons in the Networks
Connections window. Next time, I'll try to remember to be more
patient, waiting for more replies rather than acting on the first
relpy I read. ;-)

 

It's not my website nor my article. One of the authors of that article,
Steve Winograd, is an MS-MVP and frequent poster in
microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web (which actually is more relevant
to your problems). Steve is far more experienced in Windows networking
than I am.

Yes, do enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on both computers.

The 2 methods of accessing networked files you describe are fine. As
you may have noticed, "My Network Places" is just a collection of
shortcuts for method 2. Hover your mouse over one of the icons in My
Network Places and you'll probably see \\COMPUTERNAME\foldername (if it
doesn't show up from hovering, it will from a right-click "properties").

You said that you can successfully map a drive letter to a shared
folder. I assume that when you did this, you were in Windows Explorer,
clicked the Tools menu, and selected "Map Network Drive." When you then
clicked on "Browse" to find the folder you wanted to share, you had to
click on "Workgroup" and then the remote computername. Presumably, that
worked. I'm thus not sure why you get an error when you click the icon
for a particular computer in "My Network Places." Several MVPs -- I
think Steve Winograd may be one -- have noted that "My Network Places"
is sometimes flakey. If enabling NetBIOS over TCP/IP doesn't fix it up
(it may take both a reboot and some elapsed time), I'm not sure what
else to suggest.

BTW, in addition to entering \\MAIN\Personal into the address bar, you
can also enter it in Start > Run and a Windows Explorer window will open
showing the specified folder.

--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm

 

Lem,

For you and for the benefit of other readers...

Happy update:

FILE SHARING
Finally, our network is working properly! Followed the tutorial and
when I configured WinXP to Permit Network Access Without a Password
and _rebooted_, I was able to access the desktop wirelessly from the
laptop. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

PRINTER SHARING ( for anyone who was following my posts in
news://microsoft.public.windowsxp.general )
While working on the file sharing problem, I noticed the laptop was no
longer able to print to the desktop printers. I discovered that the
connection was lost because I renamed the computers. Easy fix was to
delete the printer icons from Control Panel > Printers and Faxes on
the laptop and add them back using the desktop's new computer name.

----------
NEW PROBLEM (not sure if I should start a new post and lose the
history in this post)
The laptop's Printer and Faxes folder was suddenly populated by by a
bunch of printers from the desktop (shared and not shared). From the
desktop, I unshared the ones showing as shared (4 in all). But, they
are ALL still listed in the laptop's folder (with all showing as
unshared). To fix this, do I simply delete the five Auto entries from
the laptop's folder? See below.

(ethernet) Desktop Printers and Faxes Folder consists of:

Canon BJC-1000 (shared)
Canon MP390 FAX
Canon MP390 Series Printer (shared)
Cute PDF Writer
Generic / Text Only
Intuit Internal Printer
MS Office Document Image Writer
Quickbooks PDF Converter (Quickbooks is installed and used here)
Quicken PDF Printer (Quicken is installed and used here)


(wireless) Laptop Printers and Faxes Folder consists of:

Auto Canon BJC-1000 on MAIN
Auto Canon MP390 Series Printer on MAIN
Auto MS Office Document Image Writer on MAIN
Auto Quickbooks PDF Converter on MAIN
Auto Quicken PDF Printer on MAIN
Canon BJC-1000 on MAIN (shared from desktop) I want to keep this one
Canon MP390 Series Printer on MAIN (shared from desktop) I want to
keep this one
HP DesignJet 500 mono 42 (native to the laptop)
MS Office Document Image Writer (native to the laptop)
Quicken PDF Printer (native to the laptop - Quicken program not used
here, but is a pre-loaded free trial)

Thanks,

Cheryl

 

Oh, OK. We should always give credit where credit is due. I was so
focused on this issue I didn't pay much attention to my surroundings!

I was going to post there at first, but thought this was the more
relevant group. Oops.

BTW, the network is now working properly! Networking problem solved
but a new problem developed. See my other post in this thread if you
wish.

Can you tell me, after doing so, should I perform any other actions
related to the change, like rebooting or...?

I right-clicked My Computer > Map Network Drive, chose a drive letter
(P and typed in \\MAIN\Personal, etc.

Cool, thanks!

Cheryl

 

[,,,]

Cool, for sure. When I type \\ a drop-down list appears with choices
to choose from. One being \\MAIN\Personal. The list contains my old \
\computer name\folder. Is there a way to clear that. I know how to
remove information from the drop-down lists in the Firefox browser,
but not how or if I can in Windows.

Thank you once again!

Cheryl

 

To clear the list of Most Recently Used items from Start > Run:

Right-click on Start
Choose Properties
Start Menu tab, Customize button
Advanced tab
Click the button to "Clear List" next to "List my most recently opened
documents"
OK your way out

This will do as it says -- clear the "My Recent Documents" list that's
on the Start Menu. It *also* clears the MRU list from Start > Run.

--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm

 

I'm glad things are finally working. Re-booting is often needed when
making changes to the OS settings. Sometimes, especially for network
issues, you have to wait until a refresh or polling operation of some
sort or another takes place.

In general, you should start a new thread for a new issue, and give it a
descriptive subject (not everyone is compulsive enough to read every
message posted in these NGs).

I'm not sure that I completely follow your issue with the printers. It
sounds as if while the laptop was networked to the desktop, it
recognized that there were printers on the desktop and installed drivers
(on the laptop) so that you could use those printers. If you don't
intend to use a printer from the laptop, go ahead and delete it from the
laptop's "Printers and Faxes" folder.

--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm

 

Perfect! (on answers to both posts)

Thanks for your patience. Your advice about starting a new thread is
noted.

Cheers!

Cheryl

 

You're welcome. And I should have mentioned this at the very beginning,
but better late than never ... don't use an e-mail address that you care
about when posting to these newsgroups or you may well find yourself
inundated with spam. A lot of people make up addresses or "munge" them
when posting to newsgroups. I very infrequently go to check the address
I use here.

--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm