Home Network (laptop & desktop)

[jcampi]

I have my desktop PC connected to my wireless router with a cable and the laptop is connected by a wireless connection. The laptop has Windows XP Pro and the desktop uses XP Home. How can I network both computers so I can transfer files from one to the other? Can I also network the laptop to the desktop to print? The printer is linked to the desktop with a USB connection. I need detailed steps on this as I have not done this before.

[dbarrow]

Start/Help and Support
There is a complete networking tutorial in there that will take you through the steps.
Also review file and printer sharing.
You can also search the MSKB, XP "network" and find many detailed articles.

It is a simple process once you understand it but I recommend reading the info to grasp the concepts before you start banging your head against the wall.

We can deal with any specific issues once you get started.

[jcampi]

I looked over the topics and they do come off as very complicated. I'll read into the topics when I get some time. Do you recommend any particular networking topics for my particular case?

[Dan18960]

John,

First - I would suggest you "match" the workgroup "name". By default XP Pro designates WORKGROUP and XP Home uses "MSHOME". I find using WORKGROUP to avoid many issues that occur when someone tries to use JCAMPI (just an example).

Second - Add usernames to all computers that are going to access and make them identical MEMBER OF status (this is easier in XP Pro since all you have to do is right click on My Network Places, left click on Properites, expand Users and Groups, right click on USERS folder, and select New User. In XP Home you have to go into Control Panel, Users Accounts, and add new accounts there.

Third - Apply static IP address to SERVER. Whatever router you are using sets up a dynamic range, so you want to assign the address out side of that range to avoid conflicts when a computer is added or removed. I use Linksys so I will default to that example:

Router, WAP, Managed switches - 192.168.1.1 to .10
Servers 192.168.1.25 to .49
Printers 192.168.1.50 to .99
Dynamic Range 192.168.1.100 to .150
Static assignments 192.168.1.200 to .239Now I do NOT consider a Workstation/server (peer to peer network) to be a server - so I usually assign that workstation to 192.168.1.240. That way if a client "graduates" to a full server, I don't have to "remember" what I setup the P-2-P workstation server to be.

Fourth - DO NOT RUN MICROSOFT'S NETWORK WIZARD / SHARING. Do these steps manually. The Wizard will (1) attempt to change your Network workgroup and (2) lock you out of making changes in the future to share folders.

Fifth - DO NOT SHARE YOUR "C:\" DRIVE. Create a folder on your root and call it (for example) SERVER. UNDER that folder develop your sharing structure. I create 3 directories (1) Programs, (2) Data, and (3) Shared. You might want to do Music, Utilities, Programs, Data since this is a home network and you would be able to "follow" the flow of where things should be saved. I use Programs to save things like CDs that I want to load on multiple computers (like Office - where you can use the same MEDIA you just have to use the different COA UNLESS you are doing the Parent Teacher edition which allows 3 computers). This way when you do an update, you don't have to root through your files for the cds. The rest is your choice.

Right click on your new folders and select Shariing and Security - make sure you click on "I understand Sharing . . . . ." and then share the folder(s) and allow ALL users on the network to use the folder.

If you have anymore questions send cashiers check, money order, or bring cash :scared: LOL

[kelly]

Dan - excellent!

Don't forget about printer sharing. Set up the printer connected to your desktop as a 'shared' printer. Right click on it in the 'Printers and Faxes' and select 'Sharing ...', and select Share this printer and give it a name so the other computer can see it. Remember that the desktop computer must be on for the laptop to see the printer.

Alternatively, if you don't want to require the desktop to be on when the laptop want to print, put your printer on a Print Server. Then it will be independent of the desktop computer - it will be its own little node on your network. So you'll connect it directly to the router with an Ethernet cable. (or wirelessly if you get a wireless Print Server).

-td

[jcampi]

God, this was my point exactly. Dan, you did an unbelievable job of outlining the steps. However, this still seems rather complex. I will print the procedure and consider using it. Thanks so much.

[Dan18960]

God, this was my point exactly. Dan, you did an unbelievable job of outlining the steps. However, this still seems rather complex. I will print the procedure and consider using it. Thanks so much.

John,

COMPLEX?

Be glad you didn't tell me you were setting up a Windows 2003 SERVER :eek: - now that would have gotten complex :faint: :madgrin:

[mylanta]

Actually John it is easy once you start. Dan set me up on home network where I was floundering badly, this same way!

But there is one massive typo in Dan's plan...
"second"...right click My Computer and choose "Manage" and then userss and user groups, not "My Network Places"

[mylanta]

John,

First - I would suggest you "match" the workgroup "name". By default XP Pro designates WORKGROUP and XP Home uses "MSHOME". I find using WORKGROUP to avoid many issues that occur when someone tries to use JCAMPI (just an example).

Second - Add usernames to all computers that are going to access and make them identical MEMBER OF status (this is easier in XP Pro since all you have to do is right click on My Network Places, left click on Properites, expand Users and Groups, right click on USERS folder, and select New User. In XP Home you have to go into Control Panel, Users Accounts, and add new accounts there.

Third - Apply static IP address to SERVER. Whatever router you are using sets up a dynamic range, so you want to assign the address out side of that range to avoid conflicts when a computer is added or removed. I use Linksys so I will default to that example:
Router, WAP, Managed switches - 192.168.1.1 to .10
Servers 192.168.1.25 to .49
Printers 192.168.1.50 to .99
Dynamic Range 192.168.1.100 to .150
Static assignments 192.168.1.200 to .239Now I do NOT consider a Workstation/server (peer to peer network) to be a server - so I usually assign that workstation to 192.168.1.240. That way if a client "graduates" to a full server, I don't have to "remember" what I setup the P-2-P workstation server to be.

Fourth - DO NOT RUN MICROSOFT'S NETWORK WIZARD / SHARING. Do these steps manually. The Wizard will (1) attempt to change your Network workgroup and (2) lock you out of making changes in the future to share folders.

Fifth - DO NOT SHARE YOUR "C:\" DRIVE. Create a folder on your root and call it (for example) SERVER. UNDER that folder develop your sharing structure. I create 3 directories (1) Programs, (2) Data, and (3) Shared. You might want to do Music, Utilities, Programs, Data since this is a home network and you would be able to "follow" the flow of where things should be saved. I use Programs to save things like CDs that I want to load on multiple computers (like Office - where you can use the same MEDIA you just have to use the different COA UNLESS you are doing the Parent Teacher edition which allows 3 computers). This way when you do an update, you don't have to root through your files for the cds. The rest is your choice.

Right click on your new folders and select Shariing and Security - make sure you click on "I understand Sharing . . . . ." and then share the folder(s) and allow ALL users on the network to use the folder.




If you have anymore questions send cashiers check, money order, or bring cash :scared: LOL

Dan,
You need to read "second" carefully and rewrite it as mentioned below....