How to connect laptop to both home (workgroup) and office (domain) networks?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Philip Herlihy
  • Start date Start date
P

Philip Herlihy

I have a laptop running XP Pro. I connect to the office network (via a
docking station with Ethernet connection). At home I can connect to the
Internet via a wireless PCMCIA card linking to an ADSL modem. So far so
good!

I want to be able to share files at home as well as at the office, and get
access to a printer on a machine at home. As the office connection is based
on an Active Directory domain login (Win2K server), I can't just use a
common workgroup name. I bet there's a neat solution to this but I sure
can't figure out what it would be. Any advice, references, gratefully
received!
 
Philip Herlihy said:
I have a laptop running XP Pro. I connect to the office network (via a
docking station with Ethernet connection). At home I can connect to the
Internet via a wireless PCMCIA card linking to an ADSL modem. So far so
good!

I want to be able to share files at home as well as at the office, and get
access to a printer on a machine at home. As the office connection is based
on an Active Directory domain login (Win2K server), I can't just use a
common workgroup name. I bet there's a neat solution to this but I sure
can't figure out what it would be. Any advice, references, gratefully
received!
Click to expand...

Create an account name / password on all your home machines
that agrees with the account name / password in the office. You
should then be able to access all shared resources on the home
network.
 
I have a laptop running XP Pro. I connect to the office network (via a
docking station with Ethernet connection). At home I can connect to the
Internet via a wireless PCMCIA card linking to an ADSL modem. So far so
good!

I want to be able to share files at home as well as at the office, and get
access to a printer on a machine at home. As the office connection is based
on an Active Directory domain login (Win2K server), I can't just use a
common workgroup name. I bet there's a neat solution to this but I sure
can't figure out what it would be. Any advice, references, gratefully
received!
Click to expand...

Philip,

What operating system is on the computer(s) at home - XP Home? XP Pro? Other?
This makes a difference. The AD membership of the laptop shouldn't though.

Do any of the computers have a software firewall (ICF / WF, or third party)? If
so, you need to configure them for file sharing. Firewall configurations are a
very common cause of (network) browser, and file sharing, problems.

If you're able to connect the laptop to your home network, and login to the
laptop, you should be able to find the shared printer etc in Network
Neighborhood (My Network Places) - Entire Network - Microsoft Windows Network.

But you do have to make authentication on the laptop compatible with the other
computer.

On any XP Pro computer, check to see if Simple File Sharing (Control Panel -
Folder Options - View - Advanced settings) is enabled or disabled. With XP Pro,
you need to have SFS consistently set on each computer.

On XP Pro with SFS disabled, check the Local Security Policies (Control Panel -
Administrative Tools). Under Local Policies - Security Options, look at
"Network access: Sharing and security model", and ensure it's set to "Classic -
local users authenticate as themselves".

On XP Pro with SFS disabled, if you set the above Local Security Policy to
"Guest only", enable the Guest account, using Start - Run - "cmd" - type "net
user guest /active:yes" in the command window. If "Classic", setup and use a
common non-Guest account on all computers. Whichever account is used, give it
an identical, non-blank password on all computers.

On XP Home, and on XP Pro with Simple File Sharing enabled, make sure that the
Guest account is enabled, on each computer. Enable Guest, with Start - Run -
"cmd", then type "net user guest /active:yes" in the command window. Ensure
that the password for Guest is blank, with Start - Run - "control
userpasswords2"; select Guest, click Reset Password, click OK without entering a
new password.

Remember, with Simple File Sharing, you'll not be able to access "C:\Program
Files", "C:\Windows", or any of the profile related folders such as "My
Documents". All of those folders require individual user, or administrator
access, and Guest access gives you neither.

On XP Pro, if you're going to use Guest authentication, check your Local
Security Policy (Control Panel - Administrative Tools) - User Rights Assignment,
on the XP Pro computer, and look at "Deny access to this computer from the
network". Make sure Guest is not in the list. Look at "Access this computer
from the network", and make sure that Everyone is in this list.

Do any of the computers have a software firewall (ICF / WF, or third party)? If
so, you need to configure them for file sharing. Firewall configurations are a
very common cause of (network) browser, and file sharing, problems.

More about file sharing, between all different versions of Windows:
<http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...db-aef8-4bef-925e-7ac9be791028&DisplayLang=en>

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia is not necessarily a bad thing - it comes from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.
 
this may help. quoted from http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How can I share files between workgroup computer and domain/workgroup computer?
I have a home wireless network and share files and a printer between two computers. I also use Win 2000/XP laptop at work with domain network. How can I share files between these computers at home?

A: Deepening on your network setup, you may 1) Logon local laptop using the same logon id and password on both machine.
2) change workgroup name to match win2000 domain and the laptop needs to install at home first ad then join the domain .
3) without changing the workgroup name and logon ID, just enable guest account in win 2000/XP.
4) If you are running XP, enable Simple File Sharing.
5) logon domain user on the domain laptop (even the workgroup is different), use command net use \\workgroupcomputer /user:administrator, (here administrator is workgroup computer local administrator), the enter workgroup computer administrator password. You should be able to access the workgroup resources.


Don't send e-mail or reply to me except you need consulting services. Posting on MS newsgroup will benefit all readers and you may get more help.

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
How to Setup Windows, Network, Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties.
I recommend Brinkster for web hosting!

I have a laptop running XP Pro. I connect to the office network (via a
docking station with Ethernet connection). At home I can connect to the
Internet via a wireless PCMCIA card linking to an ADSL modem. So far so
good!

I want to be able to share files at home as well as at the office, and get
access to a printer on a machine at home. As the office connection is based
on an Active Directory domain login (Win2K server), I can't just use a
common workgroup name. I bet there's a neat solution to this but I sure
can't figure out what it would be. Any advice, references, gratefully
received!
 
-- latest at the bottom here...


Pegasus (MVP) said:
Create an account name / password on all your home machines
that agrees with the account name / password in the office. You
should then be able to access all shared resources on the home
network.
Click to expand...

I thought the home machines have to share a common workgroup, which the
laptop can't do?
 
Chuck said:
Philip,

What operating system is on the computer(s) at home - XP Home? XP Pro?
Other?
This makes a difference. The AD membership of the laptop shouldn't
though.

Do any of the computers have a software firewall (ICF / WF, or third
party)? If
so, you need to configure them for file sharing. Firewall configurations
are a
very common cause of (network) browser, and file sharing, problems.

If you're able to connect the laptop to your home network, and login to
the
laptop, you should be able to find the shared printer etc in Network
Neighborhood (My Network Places) - Entire Network - Microsoft Windows
Network.

But you do have to make authentication on the laptop compatible with the
other
computer.

On any XP Pro computer, check to see if Simple File Sharing (Control
Panel -
Folder Options - View - Advanced settings) is enabled or disabled. With
XP Pro,
you need to have SFS consistently set on each computer.

On XP Pro with SFS disabled, check the Local Security Policies (Control
Panel -
Administrative Tools). Under Local Policies - Security Options, look at
"Network access: Sharing and security model", and ensure it's set to
"Classic -
local users authenticate as themselves".

On XP Pro with SFS disabled, if you set the above Local Security Policy to
"Guest only", enable the Guest account, using Start - Run - "cmd" - type
"net
user guest /active:yes" in the command window. If "Classic", setup and
use a
common non-Guest account on all computers. Whichever account is used,
give it
an identical, non-blank password on all computers.

On XP Home, and on XP Pro with Simple File Sharing enabled, make sure that
the
Guest account is enabled, on each computer. Enable Guest, with Start -
Run -
"cmd", then type "net user guest /active:yes" in the command window.
Ensure
that the password for Guest is blank, with Start - Run - "control
userpasswords2"; select Guest, click Reset Password, click OK without
entering a
new password.

Remember, with Simple File Sharing, you'll not be able to access
"C:\Program
Files", "C:\Windows", or any of the profile related folders such as "My
Documents". All of those folders require individual user, or
administrator
access, and Guest access gives you neither.

On XP Pro, if you're going to use Guest authentication, check your Local
Security Policy (Control Panel - Administrative Tools) - User Rights
Assignment,
on the XP Pro computer, and look at "Deny access to this computer from the
network". Make sure Guest is not in the list. Look at "Access this
computer
from the network", and make sure that Everyone is in this list.

Do any of the computers have a software firewall (ICF / WF, or third
party)? If
so, you need to configure them for file sharing. Firewall configurations
are a
very common cause of (network) browser, and file sharing, problems.

More about file sharing, between all different versions of Windows:
<http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...db-aef8-4bef-925e-7ac9be791028&DisplayLang=en>
Click to expand...


Thank, Chuck - will study in detail later. At home two machines are XP Pro
and one is Win2K. There may be a W98 machine involved, but that's less
critical.
 
Thanks, Bob - I'll study in detail later. (Late for the office!)

--
####################
## PH, London
####################
this may help. quoted from http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How can I share files between workgroup computer and domain/workgroup
computer?
I have a home wireless network and share files and a printer between two
computers. I also use Win 2000/XP laptop at work with domain network. How
can I share files between these computers at home?
A: Deepening on your network setup, you may 1) Logon local laptop using the
same logon id and password on both machine.
2) change workgroup name to match win2000 domain and the laptop needs to
install at home first ad then join the domain .
3) without changing the workgroup name and logon ID, just enable guest
account in win 2000/XP.
4) If you are running XP, enable Simple File Sharing.
5) logon domain user on the domain laptop (even the workgroup is different),
use command net use \\workgroupcomputer /user:administrator, (here
administrator is workgroup computer local administrator), the enter
workgroup computer administrator password. You should be able to access the
workgroup resources.

Don't send e-mail or reply to me except you need consulting services.
Posting on MS newsgroup will benefit all readers and you may get more help.

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
How to Setup Windows, Network, Remote Access on
http://www.HowToNetworking.com
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on
http://www.ChicagoTech.net
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties.
I recommend Brinkster for web hosting!
I have a laptop running XP Pro. I connect to the office network (via a
docking station with Ethernet connection). At home I can connect to the
Internet via a wireless PCMCIA card linking to an ADSL modem. So far so
good!

I want to be able to share files at home as well as at the office, and get
access to a printer on a machine at home. As the office connection is based
on an Active Directory domain login (Win2K server), I can't just use a
common workgroup name. I bet there's a neat solution to this but I sure
can't figure out what it would be. Any advice, references, gratefully
received!
 
Philip Herlihy said:
-- latest at the bottom here...




I thought the home machines have to share a common workgroup, which the
laptop can't do?
Click to expand...

Workgroups only matter when it comes to visibility of shared
network resources in "Network Neighbourhood". Workgroup
names are irrelevant when it comes to access permissions - it's
the account names and passwords that count.

To connect to a shared folder in a different workgroup, spell
out its full name, either in Explorer or at the Command Prompt:

net use S: \\SomePC\SomeShare

or, on a Win2000/XP PC:

net use S: \\192.168.0.15\SomeShare
 
Workgroups only matter when it comes to visibility of shared
network resources in "Network Neighbourhood". Workgroup
names are irrelevant when it comes to access permissions - it's
the account names and passwords that count.

To connect to a shared folder in a different workgroup, spell
out its full name, either in Explorer or at the Command Prompt:

net use S: \\SomePC\SomeShare

or, on a Win2000/XP PC:

net use S: \\192.168.0.15\SomeShare
Click to expand...

Is that because XP doesn't have NetBIOS?
 
Chuck said:
Philip,

What operating system is on the computer(s) at home - XP Home? XP Pro?
Other?
This makes a difference. The AD membership of the laptop shouldn't
though.

Do any of the computers have a software firewall (ICF / WF, or third
party)? If
so, you need to configure them for file sharing. Firewall configurations
are a
very common cause of (network) browser, and file sharing, problems.

If you're able to connect the laptop to your home network, and login to
the
laptop, you should be able to find the shared printer etc in Network
Neighborhood (My Network Places) - Entire Network - Microsoft Windows
Network.

But you do have to make authentication on the laptop compatible with the
other
computer.

On any XP Pro computer, check to see if Simple File Sharing (Control
Panel -
Folder Options - View - Advanced settings) is enabled or disabled. With
XP Pro,
you need to have SFS consistently set on each computer.

On XP Pro with SFS disabled, check the Local Security Policies (Control
Panel -
Administrative Tools). Under Local Policies - Security Options, look at
"Network access: Sharing and security model", and ensure it's set to
"Classic -
local users authenticate as themselves".

On XP Pro with SFS disabled, if you set the above Local Security Policy to
"Guest only", enable the Guest account, using Start - Run - "cmd" - type
"net
user guest /active:yes" in the command window. If "Classic", setup and
use a
common non-Guest account on all computers. Whichever account is used,
give it
an identical, non-blank password on all computers.

On XP Home, and on XP Pro with Simple File Sharing enabled, make sure that
the
Guest account is enabled, on each computer. Enable Guest, with Start -
Run -
"cmd", then type "net user guest /active:yes" in the command window.
Ensure
that the password for Guest is blank, with Start - Run - "control
userpasswords2"; select Guest, click Reset Password, click OK without
entering a
new password.

Remember, with Simple File Sharing, you'll not be able to access
"C:\Program
Files", "C:\Windows", or any of the profile related folders such as "My
Documents". All of those folders require individual user, or
administrator
access, and Guest access gives you neither.

On XP Pro, if you're going to use Guest authentication, check your Local
Security Policy (Control Panel - Administrative Tools) - User Rights
Assignment,
on the XP Pro computer, and look at "Deny access to this computer from the
network". Make sure Guest is not in the list. Look at "Access this
computer
from the network", and make sure that Everyone is in this list.

Do any of the computers have a software firewall (ICF / WF, or third
party)? If
so, you need to configure them for file sharing. Firewall configurations
are a
very common cause of (network) browser, and file sharing, problems.

More about file sharing, between all different versions of Windows:
<http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...db-aef8-4bef-925e-7ac9be791028&DisplayLang=en>
Click to expand...

Thanks - I'm really grateful for the time you've taken to spell out these
configuration options (mostly new to me!).
 
Pegasus (MVP) said:
Workgroups only matter when it comes to visibility of shared
network resources in "Network Neighbourhood". Workgroup
names are irrelevant when it comes to access permissions - it's
the account names and passwords that count.

To connect to a shared folder in a different workgroup, spell
out its full name, either in Explorer or at the Command Prompt:

net use S: \\SomePC\SomeShare

or, on a Win2000/XP PC:

net use S: \\192.168.0.15\SomeShare
Click to expand...

By the way - I forgot to say Thanks!
:-)
 
Thanks Pegasus, Chuck & Bob, I'm grateful for your time and advice.

I've been playing around with all these issues and I'm at least
understanding them - I think! Unfortunately the laptop isn't currently here
(!) so there's still some guesswork to live with.

One question: I'll also need this to work when I'm not around, and I'm
concerned that a changed DHCP license on the wireless net at home may mean
the shares (folders, printer) won't be valid anymore. How can I make it all
reliable? If I change the workgroup name to match the domain will the home
shares be visible in "My Network Places"?
 
Thanks Pegasus, Chuck & Bob, I'm grateful for your time and advice.

I've been playing around with all these issues and I'm at least
understanding them - I think! Unfortunately the laptop isn't currently here
(!) so there's still some guesswork to live with.

One question: I'll also need this to work when I'm not around, and I'm
concerned that a changed DHCP license on the wireless net at home may mean
the shares (folders, printer) won't be valid anymore. How can I make it all
reliable? If I change the workgroup name to match the domain will the home
shares be visible in "My Network Places"?
Click to expand...

Philip,

With a peer-peer relationship between client and server, you authenticate by
local userid on the server. Assuming that the client (computer you login to
locally) can access the server (computer you're accessing remotely), and that
you have the right authentication (Guest or non-Guest, with passwords properly
synched - as outlined above), a changed DHCP License (ie ip settings) won't
matter.

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia is not necessarily a bad thing - it comes from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.
 
Chuck said:
With a peer-peer relationship between client and server, you authenticate
by
local userid on the server. Assuming that the client (computer you login
to
locally) can access the server (computer you're accessing remotely), and
that
you have the right authentication (Guest or non-Guest, with passwords
properly
synched - as outlined above), a changed DHCP License (ie ip settings)
won't
matter.
Click to expand...

Thanks again for your patient help!
 

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