Newbie needs help adding laptop to home network

I know...this should be simple. I have a home network set up with two
desktops. Both desktops are hard wired into a wireless router. (I havew a
wireless router so when my college kids come home they can use the internet
on their laptops.)

Now...we've purchased a new HP laptop. It instantly recognized the wireless
router so we can go on the web. But...how do I go about adding this new
laptop to the network so it can share files/printers from the two desktops
already connected to the network?

Everything says to run the network wizard, but the questions the wizard asks
makes it sound as though I'm building a NEW network. All I want to do is add
this new laptop to the network so it can use the existing printers and pull
up files from the desktops.

Am I being stupid? This should be easy, right?

Thanks!

Hi
Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings,
http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html
As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what is allowed
to be shared.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304040
Jack (MVP-Networking).


"SRS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:E9978CA0-B51D-456D-8B2C-(E-Mail Removed)...
>I know...this should be simple. I have a home network set up with two
> desktops. Both desktops are hard wired into a wireless router. (I havew
> a
> wireless router so when my college kids come home they can use the
> internet
> on their laptops.)
>
> Now...we've purchased a new HP laptop. It instantly recognized the
> wireless
> router so we can go on the web. But...how do I go about adding this new
> laptop to the network so it can share files/printers from the two desktops
> already connected to the network?
>
> Everything says to run the network wizard, but the questions the wizard
> asks
> makes it sound as though I'm building a NEW network. All I want to do is
> add
> this new laptop to the network so it can use the existing printers and
> pull
> up files from the desktops.
>
> Am I being stupid? This should be easy, right?
>
> Thanks!

Yes, it should be easy. If HP has not altered the default Windows settings,
you should be able to simply join the laptop to the workgroup and if the
Windows Firewall is enabled, check the box to enable an exception for File
and Printer Sharing - Done. EXCEPT - just about every new laptop comes with
Norton, McAfee or some other third party security software. Usually the
default configuration for these products is to block everything except the
Internet. You will have to consult your manual/help files to determine how
to enable networking with these products.

Doug Sherman
MCSE, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"SRS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:E9978CA0-B51D-456D-8B2C-(E-Mail Removed)...
> I know...this should be simple. I have a home network set up with two
> desktops. Both desktops are hard wired into a wireless router. (I havew
a
> wireless router so when my college kids come home they can use the
internet
> on their laptops.)
>
> Now...we've purchased a new HP laptop. It instantly recognized the
wireless
> router so we can go on the web. But...how do I go about adding this new
> laptop to the network so it can share files/printers from the two desktops
> already connected to the network?
>
> Everything says to run the network wizard, but the questions the wizard
asks
> makes it sound as though I'm building a NEW network. All I want to do is
add
> this new laptop to the network so it can use the existing printers and
pull
> up files from the desktops.
>
> Am I being stupid? This should be easy, right?
>
> Thanks!

You'll need to open Network Connections, here you should see icons for your
NICs (Network Interface Cards) on your wireless card, right click on it and
then click on properties. In the new window that opens you should see,
"Client for Microsoft Networks" this must be checked. Scroll down until you
see Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) select this by clicking on it, and then click
on properties.

On the new window (under General tab) "Obtain an IP address automatically"
should be checked. As should "Obtain DNS server address automatically" Click
"OK" window will close.

Clicked on the Advanced tab at the top of the Wireless Network Connection
Properties window, then under Windows Firewall click on Settings...

On the General tab "On (recommended)" should be checked.
On the Exceptions tab you should see, File and Printer Sharing checked
Click "OK" window closes.

If the Desktops are running Windows XP Pro, you'll need to add the User name
and account password for the laptop to the Desktop users. And you'll need to
click on the folders you are sharing and permissions, and add the laptop
user to the permission list and also under the Security tab.

How to set up a home network -
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...p/homenet.mspx
My New Wireless does not work - http://www.ezlan.net/wireless.html
Wireless, Basic Configuration - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html
Wireless Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html


--
David Hettel

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

DISCLAIMER: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and
confers no rights


"SRS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:E9978CA0-B51D-456D-8B2C-(E-Mail Removed)...
>I know...this should be simple. I have a home network set up with two
> desktops. Both desktops are hard wired into a wireless router. (I havew
> a
> wireless router so when my college kids come home they can use the
> internet
> on their laptops.)
>
> Now...we've purchased a new HP laptop. It instantly recognized the
> wireless
> router so we can go on the web. But...how do I go about adding this new
> laptop to the network so it can share files/printers from the two desktops
> already connected to the network?
>
> Everything says to run the network wizard, but the questions the wizard
> asks
> makes it sound as though I'm building a NEW network. All I want to do is
> add
> this new laptop to the network so it can use the existing printers and
> pull
> up files from the desktops.
>
> Am I being stupid? This should be easy, right?
>
> Thanks!

Thank you Jack, Doug and David!

I'll give these suggestions a try tonight and let you know.

Wish me luck..........

"David Hettel" wrote:

> You'll need to open Network Connections, here you should see icons for your
> NICs (Network Interface Cards) on your wireless card, right click on it and
> then click on properties. In the new window that opens you should see,
> "Client for Microsoft Networks" this must be checked. Scroll down until you
> see Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) select this by clicking on it, and then click
> on properties.
>
> On the new window (under General tab) "Obtain an IP address automatically"
> should be checked. As should "Obtain DNS server address automatically" Click
> "OK" window will close.
>
> Clicked on the Advanced tab at the top of the Wireless Network Connection
> Properties window, then under Windows Firewall click on Settings...
>
> On the General tab "On (recommended)" should be checked.
> On the Exceptions tab you should see, File and Printer Sharing checked
> Click "OK" window closes.
>
> If the Desktops are running Windows XP Pro, you'll need to add the User name
> and account password for the laptop to the Desktop users. And you'll need to
> click on the folders you are sharing and permissions, and add the laptop
> user to the permission list and also under the Security tab.
>
> How to set up a home network -
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...p/homenet.mspx
> My New Wireless does not work - http://www.ezlan.net/wireless.html
> Wireless, Basic Configuration - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html
> Wireless Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html
>
>
> --
> David Hettel
>
> Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
> for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
> addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.
>
> Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
>
> DISCLAIMER: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and
> confers no rights
>
>
> "SRS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:E9978CA0-B51D-456D-8B2C-(E-Mail Removed)...
> >I know...this should be simple. I have a home network set up with two
> > desktops. Both desktops are hard wired into a wireless router. (I havew
> > a
> > wireless router so when my college kids come home they can use the
> > internet
> > on their laptops.)
> >
> > Now...we've purchased a new HP laptop. It instantly recognized the
> > wireless
> > router so we can go on the web. But...how do I go about adding this new
> > laptop to the network so it can share files/printers from the two desktops
> > already connected to the network?
> >
> > Everything says to run the network wizard, but the questions the wizard
> > asks
> > makes it sound as though I'm building a NEW network. All I want to do is
> > add
> > this new laptop to the network so it can use the existing printers and
> > pull
> > up files from the desktops.
> >
> > Am I being stupid? This should be easy, right?
> >
> > Thanks!
>
>
>

Thanks guys!
Network is up and running!!!!!!

"David Hettel" wrote:

> You'll need to open Network Connections, here you should see icons for your
> NICs (Network Interface Cards) on your wireless card, right click on it and
> then click on properties. In the new window that opens you should see,
> "Client for Microsoft Networks" this must be checked. Scroll down until you
> see Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) select this by clicking on it, and then click
> on properties.
>
> On the new window (under General tab) "Obtain an IP address automatically"
> should be checked. As should "Obtain DNS server address automatically" Click
> "OK" window will close.
>
> Clicked on the Advanced tab at the top of the Wireless Network Connection
> Properties window, then under Windows Firewall click on Settings...
>
> On the General tab "On (recommended)" should be checked.
> On the Exceptions tab you should see, File and Printer Sharing checked
> Click "OK" window closes.
>
> If the Desktops are running Windows XP Pro, you'll need to add the User name
> and account password for the laptop to the Desktop users. And you'll need to
> click on the folders you are sharing and permissions, and add the laptop
> user to the permission list and also under the Security tab.
>
> How to set up a home network -
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...p/homenet.mspx
> My New Wireless does not work - http://www.ezlan.net/wireless.html
> Wireless, Basic Configuration - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html
> Wireless Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html
>
>
> --
> David Hettel
>
> Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
> for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
> addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.
>
> Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
>
> DISCLAIMER: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and
> confers no rights
>
>
> "SRS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:E9978CA0-B51D-456D-8B2C-(E-Mail Removed)...
> >I know...this should be simple. I have a home network set up with two
> > desktops. Both desktops are hard wired into a wireless router. (I havew
> > a
> > wireless router so when my college kids come home they can use the
> > internet
> > on their laptops.)
> >
> > Now...we've purchased a new HP laptop. It instantly recognized the
> > wireless
> > router so we can go on the web. But...how do I go about adding this new
> > laptop to the network so it can share files/printers from the two desktops
> > already connected to the network?
> >
> > Everything says to run the network wizard, but the questions the wizard
> > asks
> > makes it sound as though I'm building a NEW network. All I want to do is
> > add
> > this new laptop to the network so it can use the existing printers and
> > pull
> > up files from the desktops.
> >
> > Am I being stupid? This should be easy, right?
> >
> > Thanks!
>
>
>

You are more than welcome. Glad you got it up and running.

--
David Hettel

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

DISCLAIMER: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and
confers no rights


"SRS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:805DDCA7-726B-4D45-9FA9-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Thanks guys!
> Network is up and running!!!!!!
>
> "David Hettel" wrote:
>
>> You'll need to open Network Connections, here you should see icons for
>> your
>> NICs (Network Interface Cards) on your wireless card, right click on it
>> and
>> then click on properties. In the new window that opens you should see,
>> "Client for Microsoft Networks" this must be checked. Scroll down until
>> you
>> see Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) select this by clicking on it, and then
>> click
>> on properties.
>>
>> On the new window (under General tab) "Obtain an IP address
>> automatically"
>> should be checked. As should "Obtain DNS server address automatically"
>> Click
>> "OK" window will close.
>>
>> Clicked on the Advanced tab at the top of the Wireless Network Connection
>> Properties window, then under Windows Firewall click on Settings...
>>
>> On the General tab "On (recommended)" should be checked.
>> On the Exceptions tab you should see, File and Printer Sharing checked
>> Click "OK" window closes.
>>
>> If the Desktops are running Windows XP Pro, you'll need to add the User
>> name
>> and account password for the laptop to the Desktop users. And you'll need
>> to
>> click on the folders you are sharing and permissions, and add the laptop
>> user to the permission list and also under the Security tab.
>>
>> How to set up a home network -
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...p/homenet.mspx
>> My New Wireless does not work - http://www.ezlan.net/wireless.html
>> Wireless, Basic Configuration - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html
>> Wireless Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html
>>
>>
>> --
>> David Hettel
>>
>> Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
>> for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
>> addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.
>>
>> Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
>> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
>>
>> DISCLAIMER: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and
>> confers no rights
>>
>>
>> "SRS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:E9978CA0-B51D-456D-8B2C-(E-Mail Removed)...
>> >I know...this should be simple. I have a home network set up with two
>> > desktops. Both desktops are hard wired into a wireless router. (I
>> > havew
>> > a
>> > wireless router so when my college kids come home they can use the
>> > internet
>> > on their laptops.)
>> >
>> > Now...we've purchased a new HP laptop. It instantly recognized the
>> > wireless
>> > router so we can go on the web. But...how do I go about adding this
>> > new
>> > laptop to the network so it can share files/printers from the two
>> > desktops
>> > already connected to the network?
>> >
>> > Everything says to run the network wizard, but the questions the wizard
>> > asks
>> > makes it sound as though I'm building a NEW network. All I want to do
>> > is
>> > add
>> > this new laptop to the network so it can use the existing printers and
>> > pull
>> > up files from the desktops.
>> >
>> > Am I being stupid? This should be easy, right?
>> >
>> > Thanks!
>>
>>
>>