why can't my two XP Home computers see each other?

[Doctor_J]

They are both running XP Home SP2, both plugged into a hub that goes to my DSL connection. I ran the XO Network setup wizard and named each computer ("Study" and "Laptop") and the workgrouop (MSHOME, the default). I reboot them and neither can see the other. When I ask it to "View Workgoup Computers", it spins for a minute or so and then says "MSHOME Not available".

What's wrong? THe MS help pages and links that come up from Google are worthless - just repeat the same failed steps.

[Deja Q]

1. Change the workgroup name

If nothing else, hackers LOVE using that default name...

Also check LAN connection settings (link speed, duplex, et al)

Also see if a firewall (on the XP boxes or on the router) are preventing communication.

[Doctor_J]

3. Already done all these

Tried "HOMENET" for the workgroup - same

Connections are OK - all boxes talking to DU, for example

firewall has been disabled on the XP boxes.

[MaryBear]

2. Oh, Chickenish!

Did you install eyeballs?

:rofl:

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. Did you tell either computer to share any drives or files?

I'm not sure, but if you haven't made anything on either computer sharable, there's no reason for them to see each other, and so that might be the problem.

I set up my network so long ago I don't remember.

[bamademo]

5. It's the firewall probably

I hate XP with every fiber of my being.

[Doctor_J]

7. That was it

The Windows firewall was disabled, but the NAV firewall was still running :-(. Is now OK.

Thanks to all

[LaurenG]

6. We have the same problem

I can't figure it out. I have shared files and a shared printer but I can't get it to work.