John said:
I have a wireless network setup with two computers; a
desktop running XP and a laptop running W2K. They share
internet access through a wireless broadband router to a
cable modem. The desktop connects to the router by
hardwire; the laptop via wireless. I would like to be
able to share files between the two PCs and the printer
connected to the desktop. Is this possible? Where can I
find the instructions or help info needed to do this?
Thanks.
John Ackerman
Sure - it does not matter whether the PCs are wired or wireless or
one of each; the way to set up a workgroup is the same. Enable
DHCP serving on the router, and set each PC to be a DHCP client.
On both PCs: enable TCP/IP, enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP, disable
NetBEUI, disable IPX/SPX, enable F&P sharing, enable Client for
M$ networking, and check that both PCs have the same workgroup name.
Permanently disable ICF on XP PCs, and temporarily remove all
firewall and antivirus apps on both.
Try to get file sharing working first, since printer sharing uses
lots of the same code and also uses some non-M$ code. On each PC,
create a non-root folder with a short simple folder name, and mark it
to be shared with a short simple share name; make sure that Everyone
can do everything to that shared folder. If possible, set up both
PCs with the same credentials (username/password). Next, try to
map a network drive from each PC to the share on the other PC.
Once file sharing works, you can experiment with it a bit to see
what works and what doesn't. Next, printer sharing: most times,
printer sharing is straightforward, but some printer vendors do not
support sharing printers between different OSs.
If you don't succeed at first, don't be surprised: there are dozens of
ways to screw up a net. But keep in mind that lots of ordinary folks
have made sharing work.
