Networking 2 PCs

I did a quick search, but I came up with a thread on how to network a PC and a Mac, not 2 PCs

So, I've got a laptop (XP Pro) and a desktop (XP Home), and I'm trying to get them to network.

Desktop can see and access the laptop's files fine, but on the laptop, I can see the desktop but not access it or the printers attached to it. When I try, it gives me this "Dell is not accessible. You might not have permissions to use this network resource...."

File and printer sharing is enabled on both computers. I've also tried disabling the firewalls, but still doesn't work. If it matters, I'm using a D-Link 524.

Thanks.

#461494

did you share any printers?

#461496

Assign both the computers to the same workgroup. I've got three laptops and desktop. They are all part of the Workgroup "REDDWARF."

#461497

@warius: Yup.

@kjohnson: They're all under "Mshome".

No, it's just the problem is that the laptop can't access the desktop's files or printers

#461502

Did you assign share access to the folders / files you want to access on the desktop?

Right-click on the folders you want to access on the desktop, go to the 'Sharing' tab and make sure 'Share this folder on the network' is ticked. You can then enter the name the folder will appear as on the network and allow you to change the files from the network.

Hope this helps.

#461510

Funny thing, I was trying to do the exact same thing a couple of months ago using a netgear router, never managed to get it working. I hope you have more luck.

#461538

i have the same problem! i could access everything than a day passed and i couldnt access from one machine and now i cant access from anywhere! infact i cant see any computer in network places on any of the machines! sounds like

#461542

My network is hubbed around a Netgear WGR614v6 wireless router.

I've had the same problem on occasion, but when I bought my most recent laptop did I figure out the a big problem. The workgroup name must be *exactly* alike. Every computer should have a name (with XP up, you set that up when you first turn on the machine or set up Windows), not the name you give the machine, like "Mike's Computer," but a name like "MACINTEL" or "VISTAPC" or "XPMCEPC."

Keep fiddling around.

#461555

I'm running a Netgear too, however I'm managing to see everything on the network, a laptop, 2 PC and my Mac. What I did forget was every time I rebooted the router all the IP address changed, so I lost sight the network. I've not got them all on static IP's. No more problems

#461563

assign the computers static IP addresses. one being 192.168.1.101, and the other 192.168.1.102, assuming that no other computers using this network is using DHCP, or that you are sure that no other computers are vouching for these IPs. to check, open up IE and enter 192.168.1.1, assuming that is your router's IP.

usually, there will be a username and password dialog. enter "admin" for both the user and password.

from there, i cannot help you. I have never used a netgear router, only linksys.

moving on....

make a new network, via the network setup wizard. . go to Control Panel > Network Connections > Network Setup Wizard.

give the computer a discription and a name that will be seen on the network.

and the workgroup being its default, MSHOME

Turn on File and Printer sharing

then, go to My Computer, and right click > properties > SHaring on everything you want to share on the net.

have fun

any questions? post them!

#461582