Can No Longer Access Home Network Computers

[jwgnle]

Hello Jintan - Hopefully you can help me with this new non-malware/virus issue with my wife's laptop...  She has a Dell E1505 running Windows XP SP3.  Current on all anti-virus (Avast) and Malware (Malwarebytes, etc.)...  This laptop has been connected wirelessly for years to our home network...  Our home network is centered on my desktop PC currently running Windows 7 - Ultimate connected to a Buffalo wireless router.  I migrated to Windows 7 nine months or more ago...  Everything has been working without issue for quite some time (with the occasional lost connection that has been easily resolved), until yesterday/today.  Now she can no longer "see" the network.  Clicking "View Work Group Computers" results only in her laptop being found.  She can no longer print, etc...   My desktop can see her laptop and can freely access (i.e. copying files from my desktop to her laptop, etc.) it...  Right now it appears to be a one-way connection...  When working properly, she should be able to "see" a number of computers and network storage devices.

I've tried everything I know of plus some and have been unable to resolve...  Is this something you can assist with?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

JWGNLE
Tucson, AZ

[jwgnle]

Added note:  Forgot to add that she is able to access the internet through the router....  Just can't "see" and/or access any network computers / hardware....

[Jintan]

A belated welcome to Malware Crypt jwgnle,

Not sure how I missed your request, so sorry for a response delay. The problem you ask on seems to be Less an issue of network connections, and more an issue of permissions/file sharing. See if these steps allow the XP system to access other computers on your network.

[jwgnle]

No worries Jintan...  I know you're quite busy battling the evil forces that plague our daily cyber activities...  Appreciate the response and the link.  I'll archive it for future reference.  As for my immediate issue...  Well, kinda feel like a dunce...

We're up and running with full network access across the board.  I had made all the right tweaks and knew everything should be working but wasn't...  Pulling my hair out...  Than it came to me...  Duh!  I failed to reboot everything (Router, Desktop PC (running Windows 7))...  Like magic.  Must be getting old.  So everything is like sunshine now.

Otherwise, I've been fairly successful keeping the evil forces at bay with Malwarebytes, SpywareBlaster and aVast antivirus...  Have discovered Sandboxie which I find to be great when browsing the web...  Deletes everything web file wise after shutting the browser down as well as creates a safe environment to work within...  I'm sure you've heard of it, if not using it yourself.

Hope all is well with you and family and best wishes for a great holiday season.  As always, appreciate your assistance and the time you contribute to the community.  As someone once said...  "I'll be back".

Best wishes,

JWGNLE (Jim)
Tucson, AZ

[Jintan]

Good you figured that out, and my best wishes for you and yours as well. I agree that "virtual" window programs like Sandboxie really can help keep malware from accessing the system. It is important that those who use it take time to learn how to, and also keep in mind it is not foolproof, so still need to avoid taking risks.