XP,Lan,network frustration.

[BradBo]

Can someone give me a little direction here.

I am ready to tear my hair out over my home lan network.

I am using XP Home and a wired Linksys router with a broadband connection.

I think my problem is my general understanding of how XP uses a lan (network) connection.

When try to access a computer, say my laptop after I have taken it to work, the other computers and my laptop gives me an no permission error.Thogh the 2 computer at home can connect no problem.

Also why do I see the hour glass sooo darn long when I want to go anywhere in the My Network folder?

Just deleting a connection thaks over a minute.

Sometime it just gives me a "Not Responding" in the task manager programs.

One more thing,on the "Entire Network" icon that looks like a little globe theres a thing that looks like a pad lock on my main system computer and I cant figure out what it is.

That obviously a problem but I cant figure out where to go to get that padlock open.

I wish Microsoft would make this network stuff a little more user friendly.

I work to hard at my real job just to make a living and I cant spend hours memorizing the nuances of building a stable home network, I need it to work with little effort.

I know this is a somewhat disjoined question but I would love to figure out how to keep my lan stable and know where to go with the settings each time it gets a little out of wack.

Could you recommend a user friendly web site that might help me.

The Microsoft web site is so big and complicated I cant seem to grasp it.

Thanks

Brad

Edited August 19, 2005 by BradBo

[BradBo]

I figured it out.

I am a little embarrased because it really isnt Microsofts fault.

i am using Sygate Personal Firewall.

All I did was diable both ends and was able to connect.

Thanks anyway.