New to this forum - Hi all !!!

Having a problem getting a new laptop to 'see'/talk to the other (desktop) PC's on my network.
I'm sure it's a software problem between the chair and the keyboard, so maybe someone can clue me in.

I have a Linksys WRT54GS router networking two desktops and a new HP Pavilion laptop - all running XP Home.
The two desktops are talking just fine - I can exchange files between them with no problem. (I'm migrating from an 'old' to a 'new' desktop).

The laptop is talking to the internet (cable internet service) thru the router, but cannot get to the other PC's.
I ran "SysSpec", that was recommended on this forum, on one of the desktops, and it shows all THREE computer names in my network's "workgroup".
Both desktops show all three computer names in the workgroup.

When I try to "View Workgroup Computers" on the laptop I get: "(workgroup) is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator...".
When I try to access the laptop from the desktops. I get: "... not accessible. You might not have permission..."

On the router - I had had a problem and ended up "resetting" it (losing my initial set up specs), and for the time being (while troubleshooting) there is NO security set up.
Under 'Wireless/Wireless Security', "Security Mode" is disabled.
Under 'Security', only "Filter...NAT..." is unchecked.
'Access Restrictions' is Disabled.

All machines have folders set up as "Shared". I even "Mapped Network Drives" for a couple of folders on one machine.

I can't figure out where this 'access restriction' is, or who (which device) I should be talking to to correct it. The XP manuals (I have 2) have nothing on wireless networking. The PC's are set up for sharing. The router does not have any "security" in place. I have "Windows Firewall" turned OFF on all machines. I have no other software firewall apps.

ANY suggestions would be MUCH appreciated!

Thanks.
Buck

Hi Starbuck, welcome to the PCHF!

Check for firewalls. They may be set to stupidly high levels on your laptop and not allowing any access over the network.

Hi GaRHaR - I have disabled Windows Firewall on all machines.
There are NO newer drivers or firmware upgrades for the router.
I just downloaded 2 driver upgrades for the Intel 3945abg wireless card in the laptop. That got it to "say" "connected to my network", but when I click on "View my network connections", I STILL get the "You might not have permission..." bit.

I have "shared" folders on both machines. The laptop gets thru the router to the internet fine - just won't access the desktop.

A friend's laptop CAN join my workgroup and access the desktop.
My laptop cannot access the friend's workgroup.
Really at a loss here.

Hey, Starbuck. Welcome aboard.

I'm new here too, but not new to computers. You may have tried this already, but you might try simply setting up your laptop's network connection again from scratch. Every once in a while one of the PCs on my wireless network seems to get amnesia and forgets how to see anyone else in the workgroup. Try teaching it again and see what happens.

It may work, but it would only be a bandaid for a broken leg.

Try it and see how it goes Starbuck
If it works excellent..then if it happens again we'll try and put a more permanent solution in place.

Solution: After 3 weeks of jerking around with the HP...
I packed it up, and sent it back.
Bought a Dell.
Opened the box. Plugged it in. Ran network setup wizard once. ONCE !!!
and I'm talking to the desktop and can access the printer.
Done.

ok marked as resolved.