To see the shared folders of another computer in the network type the shared name of the network computer in this format \\sharedcomputername and press enter. A window will appear that will display the icons for the shared folders of another computer.
Following are the some of the basic methods that solve the file and printer sharing problem.
1. Name each network computer correctly.
2. Set workgroup or domain name correctly in each computer.
3. Install TCP/IP on each computer.
4. Configure IP addressing and subnet masking on each computer correctly.
5. Make sure that the shares are correctly configured on the network.
6. Temporarily disable firewalls.
7. Make sure that the Files and Printer Sharing for Microsoft is installed on each computer.
Troubleshooting network sometimes can be a difficult task if you don’t have the ideas about the solutions of the problems. To avoid any major problem and long downtime the network administrators should be well aware of all the major networking errors and their solutions. Microsoft Windows XP Professional has a repair tool and many of the basic problems can be solved by this tool.
Double click the network connection icon in the lower right corner of the screen and then click repair. This tool will repair the basic connectivity problems.
Computer can’t get connected with the Internet
If any of the network computers can’t get connected with the internet, try to solve the problem with the basic steps.
1. Check the IP address of the computer. It should have the same class IP address as subnet mask as the other computer in your home network.
2. Network cable should be properly connected at both ends i.e. one end with the Hub/Switch and one end with the LAN card of the PC.
3. Scan the system for the viruses, spyware and other malicious code that may be halting the browsing on that computer.
4. Gateway computer and proxy server should not be blocking the computer for browsing.
5. Check the browser settings and it should be the same and the rest of the computers in the network.
Network Application don’t work
Sometimes certain network applications such as peer to peer file sharing, network games, databases and antivirus programs can’t get connected with the server even the network connectivity is okay. The specific knowledge about each application can be the best solution for resolving the issues.
Network is too slow
Sometimes network response time is very slow due to different reasons and this problem can be solved by the following methods.
1. First of all check that the computer should have the valid DNS address and you can also add the domain controller’s IP address as secondary DNS server.
2. Make sure that you have installed service pack 1, which has fixed a bug for slow network response.
3. If your system hangs about 2-3 times at startup, this is due to a background service named “Background Intelligent Transfer' service”. By disabling this service you can solve this problem. Go to Start > Run > MsConfig > Services > “Background Intelligent Transfer' service” disable it.
4. Disable/Enable the local network connection and if still slow network connection then restart the system.
5. Create a drive Map and use it for network browsing. Click on any folder then go to Tools > and click Map network drive > assign a drive letter and a folder name that you want to connect too.
Network Connection is insecure
The real threats to the home networks are viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, data piracy and the hacker’s attacks. Install and configure an up-to-dated antivirus program such as Norton Anti Virus, Trend Micro, McAfee or Panda Antivirus. Install and configure firewall software so that no unauthorized user can access your home network. Scan your emails and do not download any software from unauthorized source.
Here is a list of some of the basic troubleshooting tools that comes with the Windows based operating systems.