Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Floydoid]

Might I throw in a really dumb question here... as you are probably aware, I have two PC's - one connected by ethernet into the router, the other connects wirelessly to the router.  Is it possible also to set up a wireless file sharing network between the 2 comps without buying any additional hardware?

(mods - feel free to split this off into a separate topic if necessary, I don't want to hijack oldfogy)

Done
Eric

[roseway]

If the two PCs are both connected to the router (wirelessly or hard wired makes no difference) they are already networked together. You should be able to share directories on one PC and map them on the other.

[Floydoid]

Yes but how?

[oldfogy]

In windows XP

Right click the "File or Folder or Drive" that you want to share.
Then select "Sharing and Security..." option from there give the File/Folder or Drive a name that will then be recognised on both/all PCs (usually the existing name is OK)

Then in the "My Network Places" folder in Explorer, select the "Network Setup Wizard"
You need to do this on both/all PCs that you want to share.

(If both/all of them are XP there is no need to make a disc, just do the same on both PCs.)

Hope this is what you want.

************************************************

>> I don't want to hijack oldfogy
I don't mind being hijacked, but if you want a ransom you'll be out of luck. 

[Floydoid]

I go to 'my network places' but I don't see the networks setup wizard... my network places is just empty, and i don't see in 'sharing & security' the option to give it a name... or am I just being thick?  All I see is some blurb about remote access being disabled by windows as a security measure.

It seems a lot of hassle so maybe I'll give up and carry on transferring files on portable media.

[Floydoid]

Well, I managed to set up the networks sharing bit, but when I try to access the remote computer, it just tells me I don't have permission.  What I have done is set up the network file sharing on a folder on each machine, and it tells me I have a network under 'my network places' but I can't get any further.  Why do they have to make things so difficult?

[Floydoid]

All I get is the following error message:

"\\whatever is not available.  You might not have permission to use this network resource.  Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions. 

The network path was not found."

well I'm the administrator, and I've no idea what to do next.

[oldfogy]

Go to System Properties in Control Panel then go to "Computer Name"
Computer description can be left blank unless you want to fill it in (not important).

1. But BOTH/all computers must have the SAME "Workgroup name" MSHOME is fine.

2. Also make sure you have given each PC a "different" name. PC1, Kitchen anything (this is not the same as the Workgroup Name)

Check both/all PCs
Press "Change" if you need to change any of them..

****************************************************
Are either of these Vista by any vhance?
If so, then any XP PC must have a login password.

[Floydoid]

I've tried setting it up again following all your instructions, but when i go to my computer/ my network places / view workgroup computers, and click on the icon for the remote comp, I keep getting the same error message.

I feel like I'm going round in circles here.  I might as well just give up.

[Floydoid]

I meant to add, thanks OF for trying to help, but this is obviously something that is designed for experts to do, not computer ignoramuses such as myself. 

I'll stick with the USB drive for transferring files over.

Thanks again.

[oldfogy]

When all else fails give up start again.

1. Go to the shared folder/drive and remove the sharing option.
2. Then go back to the Network sharing wizard and re-run it.
3. Go back to the folder/drive to share and select the sharing option again, there are 2 tick box's, try ticking both of them.
4. Do exactly the same on the other PC. (IF YOU NEED TO)
5. Refresh the screen in both network connection screens.

I have 3 PC,s shared:
one PC is called "Desktop2" with a file called "F My Files"
one PC is called "Medion" with a file called "D Backups"
one PC is called "Laptop" with a file called "D Backups"

All of them are given the same network name of "MSHOME" (this last entry is very important).

Now, in My Network Places you should see a list of folders/drives that are being shared on the right side of the screen.

Across the top information bar it should say something like: (These are my details)
Name - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Comments  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Computer

F My Files on Desktop2 - - - - - - \\ Desktop2 F My Files - - - - - - - - - - - This Computer
D Backups on Medion - - - - - - - \\ Medion D Backups - - - - - - - - - - - - Medion
D Backups on Laptop - - - - - - - \\ Laptop D Backups - - - - - - - - - - - - Unknown

(This last entry is showing as "Unknown" because the Laptop is not Turned on or it is not picking-up the Laptop)
The other 2 are showing the name of the PC and "This Computer" because they are being picked up by the system.

****************
OK, What do you see on your screen and what OS are on both PC,s ?


Just thought:
Check your Firewall and etc......

[Floydoid]

OK, I'm totally confused now, what do you mean by 'network sharing wizard'?  In 'my network places I see 2 options - 'set up a home or small office network' and 'set up a wireless network for a home or office'? 

Which one should I choose?

Also what should I be checking for in my firewall (I use Zone Alarm on both comps)?  Both machines are on XP, with SP3.

[oldfogy]

Sorry but to add more confusion the 'Network sharing wizard' is located in Control Panel.
BUT, more than likely does the same job as the "Set up a Home or Small Office Network" (this is the only one I have ever used.

When I tried the "Wireless Setup" all it wanted to do was to setup a "Dial-up Connection" so this is not what you want either.

Zone Alarm? sorry I can't say with that as I don't know anything about it except to look to make sure it is not blocking you.
(if, you feel comfortable you could turn it off for a few minutes)

If you do want to turn it off you could also disconnect the Line-in to your modem for extra safety.
The network is being run through your Router and not the internet, so should not make any difference to you.

This would rule out the firewall and still leave you safe.
(or just turn on Windows Firewall, "which is all most/some people use who are behind a Routers "Hardware Firewall")

Can you see the other PC folder?
and if so, just not connect to it?

Sorry I have to go out now and wont be back untill about 8PM, good luck.

[Floydoid]

Thanks again, but i really am giving up on this.  It's all way too difficult for me to understand.  Sorry to have put you to all this trouble.

[oldfogy]

I'm back the meeting finished early.

No problem, but if you do persevere in the long run you will find it very useful.

Good luck.