- When Good Networks Go Bad
- Getting Started
- Diagnostic Tools
- Testing Network Cables
- Checking Network Configuration
- Testing Network Connectivity
- Diagnosing File and Printer Sharing Problems
- Tips from the Windows Pros: Monitoring Your LAN
Diagnosing File and Printer Sharing Problems
If the tests in the previous section don't point to a problem—that is, if basic network connectivity is fine but you're still having problems with file or printer sharing, the next step depends on whether you have a workgroup or domain-type network.
If you're on a domain network, it's time to call your network administrator for assistance. They've had more training and experience in network troubleshooting than I can impart in the space allowed here.
If you're on a home or small office workgroup network, there are a few things you might try. Here are some tips:
- Did you make sure that file sharing is enabled on each of your computers?
- If you use Internet Connection Sharing, restart the computer that's sharing your Internet connection and wait a minute or two after it's booted up. Then, restart your other computers. This may help. The ICS computer needs to be up and running before any other computers on your LAN start up.
- If you don't see other computers in the Network window, wait 10 to 20 minutes (really) and then select View, Refresh or press F5. Sometimes it takes up to 20 minutes for the list of online computers to be updated.