So far I have successfully networked two of our computers. These both have dynamic IP addresses.
I have tried to add my OHs laptop to the same network following the same procedures that I used for the first two. But although I can ping the laptop it wont ping back. The laptop has a statci IP address, is this the cause and how can I overcome it please?

I also have a Linksys print server, but no instructions on how to use it, the printer unfortunately is connected to my OHs laptop. I have looked on the Linksys site, but non the wiser, don't want to mess up the printer connections by playing around with it, any advice gratefully received.

Thanks Rosalind

Hi Rosalind.

What operating systems are the computers running?
Did you make the Workgroup name the same on laptop you are adding as the other two are?
What firewall are you using? If it's XP and the built-in firewall, is File and Printer Sharing checked on the Exceptions tab? If a different one, make sure it's setup to allow sharing.

What are the IP addresses of the 3 computers? Are they all in the same range? By that I mean is it just the last part that is different (xxx.xxx.xxx.nnn)?

Computers all running XP Pro
AVG firewall configured as home network.
All computers part of OFFICE network
IP addresses are not all the same two are 192.168.1.100 and 192.168.1.101
and the laptop is 10.0.0.44
computers will ping by IP address, but laptop wont ping PCs by name and vice versa.

Hi Rosalind, This does look as though it could be a firewall issue.

Do you have a similar question open on this forum here?
http://forums.techguy.org/networking/86355...t-not-name.html
If the above link does not refer to your post then please continue in our thread here.
However if you have made the other post in the techguy forum then please continue with them as its undesirable for you to receive advice from two different sources at the same time...it also ties up two experts rather than just one.....(many experts operate on several different sites, sharing their expertise, to help as many people as possible.
Regards
paws

Two things I would try.

1. Disable AVG firewall on all computers, see if that resolves the problem. If yes then you need to look at your AVG setup.
2. Change the fixed IP to a dynamic and see if that resolves it. If yes then the 10.0 IP address is probably causing the problem. Does the laptop have to have a fixed 10. address?

Paws, yes it is my post, so will close this one.

Ztrucker, will try out disabling AVG firewall, although not keen on doing so. No idea why the laptop has static IP, so might try changing it first to see what happens.

Thanks for your help. Rosalind

Just disable AVG to test with, turn it back on as soon as you are done testing.

Being behind a router will give you plenty of protection for the short time required to test.