Start Networking

I have "installed" all the hardware/software that came with my Wireless
Router and for the PCI card for my laptop. Both have a good connection to
the internet. Now what? I want to share files and printers (and of course
the internet).

Do I run the Wireless Networking Wizard next?
Do I run the Set up a home or small office network?

Thanks, Jeannine

Jeannine wrote:

> I have "installed" all the hardware/software that came with my Wireless
> Router and for the PCI card for my laptop. Both have a good connection to
> the internet. Now what? I want to share files and printers (and of
> course the internet).
>
> Do I run the Wireless Networking Wizard next?
> Do I run the Set up a home or small office network?
>
> Thanks, Jeannine

Now I see why you asked that question in someone else's thread. I'll say the
same thing to you again - the fact that some of the computers on a local
area network (lan) connect wirelessly has nothing to do with setting up
file and printer sharing. So no, there is no reason to run the Wireless
Networking Wizard. You already *have* a working wireless network
connection.

Here is the standard advice for setting up file/printer sharing:

Run the Network Setup Wizard on all computers, making sure to enable File &
Printer Sharing, and reboot. The only "gotcha" is that this will turn on
the XPSP2 Windows Firewall. If you aren't running a third-party firewall or
have an antivirus with "Internet Worm Protection" (like Norton 2005/06)
which acts as a firewall, then you're fine. If you have third-party
firewall software, configure it to allow the Local Area Network traffic as
trusted. I usually do this with my firewalls with an IP range. Ex. would be
192.168.1.0-192.168.1.254. Obviously you would substitute your correct
subnet.

If one or more of the computers is XP Pro:

a. If you need Pro's ability to set fine-grained permissions, turn off
Simple File Sharing (Folder Options>View tab) and create identical user
accounts/passwords on all computers.

b. If you don't care about using Pro's advanced features, leave the Simple
File Sharing enabled.

Simple File Sharing means that Guest (network) is enabled. This means that
anyone without a user account on the target system can use its resources.
This is a security hole but only you can decide if it matters in your
situation.

Then create shares as desired. XP Home does not permit sharing of users'
home directories (My Documents) or Program Files, but you can share folders
inside those directories. A better choice is to simply use the Shared
Documents folder.

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"

Thanks, Malke, I think it has finally registered with me. Jeannine

Jeannine wrote:

> Thanks, Malke, I think it has finally registered with me. Jeannine

That's fine. Post back if you need more help.

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"