Question : Can only connect as GUEST when trying to access Windows Shares via UNC Paths and Network Neighborhood

Hello all,

This issue has been plaguing me for some time now, I'm hoping you experts can help.

I have 3 PCs set up at home, all running WinXP SP1 with Sygate Personal Firewall.  I have file sharing enabled on each machine, and have configured a few shares.

However, when i try to access the machine, either by typing the UNC mahcine name, \\MACHINENAME, for example, the authentication dialogue appears, but i cannot specify a user name.  The field where i usually enter my username is 'Greyed Out' with the word MACHINENAME\GUEST in it, of which i cannot change.

Here is a link to a screenshot that depicts the above behaviour: http://www.aktiveonline.com/share.jpg

The password field is as usual, and i can enter into it. Its just the Username field i cannot seem to change.

I have disabled simple file sharing, and checked that Sygate Firewall is allowing connections via Network Neighborhood, all to no avail.

I look forward to your suggestions.

-DEAN

Answer : Can only connect as GUEST when trying to access Windows Shares via UNC Paths and Network Neighborhood

Check to make sure that the username and passwords are the same on both machines.  I believe that if windows cannot authenticate with the same username/password, you must use guest.  (IE if machine A and machine B both have a username BOB, and you are logged into Machine A as BOB connecting to machine B, if BOB exists as a user on machine B, then if the passwords do not match, then you must log in as guest.  If BOB does not exist on machine B, you should get a login prompt.... I think)