A problem connecting computers via workgroup.

[Northwestern]

I am trying to connect my file server to my desktop and laptop through a workgroup, however while my Laptop and desktop recognize each other, they will not recognize the file server. I have tried what I can including setting firewall exceptions and even disabling it and nothing will change. Both the file server and desktop run Windows XP SP3 while the laptop runs Windows 7 Home Premium.

In case anyone asks, the file server is connected to a 5-port router which is then connected to a 10-port hub that is connected to the gateway, while the laptop and desktop are connected to a different 5-port router which is connected to the same 10-port hub. I am saying thing also because I think it is a hardware problem since the laptop/desktop can connect perfectly as they are on the same router.

Many thanks to anyone who can help, as I have been working with this problem for about an hour now.

 

[Emerald]

which port on the router is used to connect the router to the hub?

can you give us the model numbers of the two routers and the hub?

 

[eibgrad]

Can the desktop and laptop ping the server? If they can't, and the firewalls are down, then you probably have a basic connectivity issue (e.g., TCP/IP configuration error).

If you can ping each other, then you need to be sure each computer is using the same workgroup (and you can't use Win7 Homegroups w/ XP, it's strictly a Win7 feature), and that each computer has and uses for authorization purposes the same username/password.

 

[Northwestern]

The file server router is on the second port of the 16-port hub while the the desktop/laptop is on the third.

The hub is an HP J3188A and the router for the file server is a D-Link DGS-2205, while the desktop/laptop is a Belkin F5D6231-4.

 

[Northwestern]

Can the desktop and laptop ping the server? If they can't, and the firewalls are down, then you probably have a basic connectivity issue (e.g., TCP/IP configuration error).

If you can ping each other, then you need to be sure each computer is using the same workgroup (and you can't use Win7 Homegroups w/ XP, it's strictly a Win7 feature), and that each computer has and uses for authorization purposes the same username/password.

They are able to ping each other and I have connected them all to the same workgroup without enabling Windows 7 Homegroup.