Wireless network question.

[Blondy876]

I finally had to have a computer guy come in to hook up my wireless router and network my computers. Turns out I had done everything right but the router was broken. So my laptop was up and running. But I can't get to the files on my desktop computer. I thought that once it was networked I would have access to everything. Is there something else that I need to do before I can access the files? There is probably a button I have to push somewhere or something equally silly but I just can't find out why I can't get to everything (especially the printer). I really don't want to have to bring the computer guy back out if it's something I can do myself.

 

[Charade]

If you are running XP, file sharing isn't on by default. You need to "share" out your files and printers so the other PCs can see them and access them.

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/filesharing.htm

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx

 

[Blondy876]

Thank you. I did just what the article says to do and nothing happened. It seemed successful on the main computer but when I try to add the printer to my laptop it just won't. It runs through the whole setup and I can get to the end and it says I have been successful in the addition but the printer never shows up as an option on the laptop.

I'm sure it's me and I'm missing something obvious. I think our computer guy and I may become very close.

 

[Charade]

Were you able to share files?

You do know that you're other PC will need to be on whenever you want to print to the printer that's attached to it.

Launch windows explorer and then click the "+" sign next to "My Network Places" then click the "+" sign next to "Entire Network" then the "+" sign next to "Microsoft Windows Network".

What do you see there? There should be at least one name (the name of your home network) with a cluster of 3 blue computers next to the name.

 

[jfulcer]

And hopefully your computer guy secured your wireless connection so that your neighbors cannot see what is on your computer.

 

[mtblujeans]

And hopefully your computer guy secured your wireless connection so that your neighbors cannot see what is on your computer.

This was one of the things I haven't been able to figure out how to do on my networking set up.

I had my DSs computer networked with the router (I have Win98 and he has XP) and, when I tried to go into his computer thru the network, it asked for a password. DS said he didn't assign a password so I gave up. Not the brave type any more when it comes to computers.....