[syMplicitY]

Can some kind soul out there give me a step-by-step on how to set up a home network??? I want to be able to shared files and printer. Somehow I got the shared folder to show up on both the desktop and laptop...but when I tried to add a file in the folder (on my laptop)...I can't see it on my desktop. And since I didn't do it right...the printer doesn't work either. So currently, I delete the whole thing and want to restart from scratch.

If someone can show me how to set the network up correctly...I'll appreciate it very much.

[momowa]

Do you have internet on both the computers right now?

[syMplicitY]

yes...I have internet on both my desktop and laptop.
the desktop used ethernet...connect to the wireless router...
my laptop uses wireless....

[awdark]

OKAY
Windows firewall, other firewalls, norton antivirus... those will all give you problems when you want to network.

Since we are talking about XP to XP you basically just need to verify one thing and that is they are in the same workgroup. Probability has it that they will be in the same workgroup because by default it will be workgroup. But I have seen some as MShome or custom ones like CSULA or more specific names.
Right click, my computer... and you get this



Right click a folder click sharing and security

You will have to check the box that says "Just enable file sharing and security" or something of that sort, I don't have that shot because I didn't use the wizard and just manually set it. The wizard only gave me headaches.

Once you enabled it, check the two boxes.


Repeat on your other computer.

Hopefully you will see the other computer when you click start> My Network places

Sharing a printer is also easy, just go to the printer Control panel> Printers> right click your printer and share it.
On your other computer, click My network places, View Workgroup Computers, and next to your shared folder you should see a Printer folder... double click that and it should be there.

[mickys_psychokick]

will this work for vista(laptop) to xp(desktop)

[awdark]

Yes that would, but the point of this post was more for sharing files to and from the computer rather than sharing internet (I think thats your goal)

[froggy604]

If you just want to transfer files between two computers that are close to each other "2m or less apart"

You can try using a USB datalink cable.

You can buy one here: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/electronic/8199/

[syMplicitY]

thanks so much awdark!!!!

I was just missing a step...

However, when I tried connect to the network using Vista...it actually shared the whole public folder...but that's ok....

Thanks so much for the help!!!!