Problems with wireless router

[DreamThrall]

I am completely new to wireless networking and I'm trying to help my grandfather with his new wireless router and laptop.

He has a D-Link DI-524 router, with his wireless Dell laptop on the wireless network and 2 Dell desktops connected to the ethernet ports. All the computers can access the internet, and the laptop can access shared folders on the 2 desktops.

However, the 2 desktops can't even ping the laptop, let alone see any of the shared folders (it does show up in network neighborhood or whatever XP calls it).

I think I've taken care of securing the wireless network already... switched to WPA-PSK security and turned off the SSID broadcast, passworded everything, etc.

Has anyone else had any problems with this before? All systems are running XP Home SP2, and have the XP Firewall enabled. Thanks!

 

[NetGuru42]

I believe you have fallen victim to the sh*ttyness of D-Link. I had the exact same router as you, and some matching PCI wireless cards for my two desktops. I had the exact same problems, as well. I tried replacing the router only (with a good Netgear) and the computers were semi-able to ping and share, however it was still intermittant and unreliable. I replaced the PCI wireless cards with Netgear as well, and I immediately had a good reliable connection.

Bottom line: I think your problems will be solved if you dump the D-Link crap and buy some good Linksys or Netgear routers and cards.

Hope this helped! :cheers:

 

[Asus]

I would check if Windows XP firewall is enabled on those machines as it will prevent you from viewing other PCs on the network. Try that first.

Right-click on My Network Places, properties then Right-click on Local Area Connection, properties. Now click on the Advanced tab and you should see the Internet Connection Firewall option.