2 PCS (W2K), LAN, CABLE MODEM, FIREWALL PROBLEM.

My problem is that I've got two machines, both W2K, connected via a hub. A Router (RT311) shares a Cable modem to the two pcs (via the hub of course). I was advised to purchase a software firewall (even though I have the router - by the router makers) and purchased ZoneAlarm Pro.

Windows Networking 2246 This topic was started by ,


data/avatar/default/avatar24.webp

10 Posts
Location -
Joined 2001-02-22
My problem is that I've got two machines, both W2K, connected via a hub. A Router (RT311) shares a Cable modem to the two pcs (via the hub of course).
 
I was advised to purchase a software firewall (even though I have the router - by the router makers) and purchased ZoneAlarm Pro.
 
BUT, I am finding it very difficult seeing the over computer when clicking my network places.
 
Cannot Ping the other computer.
 
I think that it is the Software firewall causing the problem, but I've run out of ideas of what to try.
 
Can anyone help ??

Participate on our website and join the conversation

You have already an account on our website? Use the link below to login.
Login
Create a new user account. Registration is free and takes only a few seconds.
Register
This topic is archived. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.

Responses to this topic


data/avatar/default/avatar24.webp

10 Posts
Location -
Joined 2001-02-22
OP
Also, the thing is that although I can't Ping the other computer, I DO IN FACT see it under 'computers near me', but when I double click on the computer, it then says 'computer xxxx not accessible, the network path was not found'.
 
This is driving me nuts !

data/avatar/default/avatar24.webp

10 Posts
Location -
Joined 2001-02-22
OP
Okay, its definately the software firewall.
 
Zonealarm, I uninstalled this software and it works fine....
 
Question is, what settings should I have Zonealarm set to in order for it not to cause any problems connecting over the lan network ??

data/avatar/default/avatar19.webp

3857 Posts
Location -
Joined 2000-03-29
Your firewall is blocking your NetBIOS and ICMP protocols. You just need to open up some ports. I think the readme or their site has more info on this.
 
------------------
Regards,
 
clutch

data/avatar/default/avatar32.webp

671 Posts
Location -
Joined 2000-05-04
If you lower the security settings in ZoneAlarm, you shouldn't have any problems.
 
On my main PC at home I have a cable modem hooked up, and a 2nd NIC for the LAN.
 
With the default ZoneAlarm settings (Medium LAN, High Internet), my machine is fine for the net, but my second machine can't get out.
 
If I lower the Internet security to Medium, then the 2nd PC can access the net. I haven't really tried the file sharing stuff, but it might just help you out.

data/avatar/default/avatar24.webp

10 Posts
Location -
Joined 2001-02-22
OP
Clutch, how do I open up ports ??
 
And how do I find out which ports to open up ??
 
Thanks.

data/avatar/default/avatar19.webp

3857 Posts
Location -
Joined 2000-03-29
Well, I was looking around the ZA site to see if I could help. Now, it would appear there are several ways to do it:
 
1. Like Brusar mentioned, you could lower the general settings (seems to be the most common way, and the original intent of the program).
 
2. Authorize the application to send/receive data. I believe there will be a pop-up when new traffic is picked up on the machine running ZA. You would then have the option to permit it.
 
3. Upgrade to ZA Pro, which permits port managing and it more flexible than ZA in regrads to narrowing security focus.
 
Overall, it seems like ZA is a nice package for simple home use, but ZA Pro may be the version of choice for some of the power users here.
 

 
------------------
Regards,
 
clutch

data/avatar/default/avatar24.webp

10 Posts
Location -
Joined 2001-02-22
OP
I have a confession....
 
I read an article about how good and how easy Blackice Defender is as a software firewall - so I purchased it and it was so much easier to configure than ZoneAlarm Pro.
 
Everthing works fine....
 
Thanks for all your help guys.