LAN problem

[popy]

I've got two PCs (XP prof) linked via Ethernet into the LAN. At least I had them linked before one of them came back from some minor repair. It is pretty straightforward to set up this 'home or a small office network' and to share files printers, scanners etc. and I've done it many times before. One of my PCs is called 'new PC' (this is the one that came from repair): the other is named 'old PC'.
The problem is that I've set up my network only partially, i.e. from the 'old PC' towards the 'new PC', meaning that from my 'old PC' I can go into the 'new PC', but not the other way round, the reason for this being that in the 'new PC' I simply can't get those two icons ('old PC' and 'new PC') in my MSOffice, through which one goes from one PC to another (if everything is OK one gets these icons clicking on 'Start' � My network places � and (under 'Network tasks') 'View workgroup computers').
I'm nearly 100% sure that the repair people didn't do anything wrong.
Am I missing something quite obvious?

[ACtheTROLL]

to share files ... you need
a user ID and Password for each user on both machines.
(if no password on new PC but password on oldPC old can access new ... but new can't access old)

the folder(s) to be accessed must be shared (if you don't have at least 1 share (even if you don't use it) ... you'll have problems.

each PC must have a unique name (no spaces ...
so oldpc or old_pc

both machines must belong to the same workgroup for network places to work.

mapped drives will show in all progs

when you say LAN - I assume that includes a router
so make sure that the network properties are set to get an IP address automatically

to make the connection permanent to the "music" folder on old_pc

to map network drive - right click network places map ...
in the location type
\\old_pc\music
tick the reconnect option ...

[popy]

Thanks ACtT. To put it simply, after completing the 'set up a home or small office network' routine, on my 'newPC' , clicking on 'Start' - 'My Network places' - 'View workgroup computers' (on the left-hand side, under 'Network Tasks') shows nothing. It should show both computers' names (newPC and oldPC). It is fine on my 'old' PC, and, like I said, I've done it many times before with no problems whatsoever.

[ACtheTROLL]

aaaaahh!
no you won't always see both puters when browsing in network places.

the workgroup name is the same on both computers?????
(right click my computer | properties | computer name ... and check that the workgroup is the same on both machines.

are you using a router?
do both machine have a 192.168.y.x address
where
y=same on both machines
x=different

the network setup doesn't check the other things i listed before ... you need to do that seperately

there is a bit of an old chestnut the first puter connected takes on the job of boss and collects all the workgroup's names.
this happens to some wierd timetable which means it could pop up between now and next year.
try searching for computers... leave it blank ... just search.....

and nothing will work unless you actually have a folder shared on both computers

[popy]

Everything you mentioned is as it should be. Like I said, I've done it before and am aware of these 'caprices', but my 'bad' 'newPC' simply can't find my good old puter, search, no search. Of course everything that should be shared is shared.
Anyway, I'll keep trying and hopefully will figure out something.
Thank you very much for your time.

[ACtheTROLL]

find the ip address of oldpc
(ipconfig)
then ping old pc

do same on newpc

map directly to the share
\\oldpc\share
\\newpc\share

what about firewall?

[popy]

Ok. I'll give it a try tomorrow. I've already tried with a firewall on and off but to no avail.
Thanks again.