Why is the word "(preferred)" next to my IP Address?

MS told me last night that if ipconfig shows the word "Preferred" next
to my IP Address... that DHCP was not working right and that this might
be affecting my ability to SHARE a folder to another PC.

I cannot seem to find any independant corroboration of this... anyone
know what it means when "Preferred" is printed next to the IP address?

Thanks.

Where your DHCP server is?
What is the actual problem that you have?

My DHCP server is in my Linksys router WRT54G

My problem is that it seems to be IMPOSSIBLE for me to share a folder
with another PC.

I have tried basically everything mention in all forums and cannot get
the Vista PC to show up on any other computer.

MS told me that is is b/c (preferred) means that Vista assigned itself
an IP address and not DHCP... sounds somewhat hard to believe to me...

If the IP comes from the Router it should be on the Router's subnet.
You can also try a static IP that is of the Router's subnet but out of the
Router's DHCP range.
Otherwise it probably something with the sharing setting that you are not
detecting.
Try to switch Off Password Sharing and make sure that the Quest account is
On.
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...243eb1033.mspx
Create under C:\ a standalone folder, and switch On the Sharing for it.
See if it works under this condition.
Maybe this can Help too.
Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings,
As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what it is
allowed to be shared.
Vista File and Printer Sharing-
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l.../bb727037.aspx
Windows XP File Sharing -
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304040
Printer Sharing XP -
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...utt_july2.mspx
Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357
Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

One question--- can you say what the word "Preferred" means in my
case? Does it mean anything signifiacant?

I checked the things you mentioned and nothing seems to improve the
situation.

Most likely I will roll back to XP I guess...

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