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Network Logon Issues in XP Home SP2

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by kkoontz77

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I do tech support at a small office - recently they had an the OS (XPsp2 home) re-installed. All is fine and dandy except that the computer doesn't initially log onto the workgroup (no domains, just a workgroup). Thus I have to manually log on the user after each reboot to use anything from the app. server, or any other workstation (by selecting anthing in "my network places" and then logging on at the prompt).

The workstation is configured to join the workgroup (yes, I checked spelling etc.) but doesn't seem to be able to. When I try to view computers in the workgroup, explorer freezes. I have changed the logon prompt to be like that of XP pro - entering a user name and password - but no luck there.

It should be noted that all users log on to their computers, not the network.
File and printer sharing is turned on.
Any ideas?

2 replies

by ken g.

Windows uses the Guest Account (Anonymous logon) to log on through Workgroups. However, ALL workstations must be using the same service pack either SP1 or SP2. An SP2 workstation can see an SP1 machine and access its resources but not the other way around. Trying to log on with the User Name and Password dialog will always produce the same resluts; nothing.

If all workstations are Windows XP then there shouldn't be any problem. If you have a mixed network then you will, in almost every instance, run into log on issues..

Try running the Network Setup Wizard again (with all firewalls disabled, you can re-enable them later.) If that doesn't produce the desired results check all service pack installations to insure they are of the same breed. HTH

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