Tracey wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I have three computers all with Windows XP on them. I have a Siemens
> SpeedStream 6520 Wi-fi modem, which supplies Broadband Internet to my
> computers - to the main computer by Ethernet connection, and to my laptop
> and the kids computer by Netgear WG111v2 Wireless USB adapters. According
> to the specs with these, I should be able to share files and printers as
> well as the internet. When I go into the modem's home page, I can see all
> the computers in the devices page, but I cannot work out how to actually use
> the network. The modem has disabled the Wireless Network Setup in windows,
> so I cannot setup the network from there. All three computers can access
> the internet. Can anyone help me to get my network fully functioning?
>
> Tracey
>
>
If all three computers can access the Internet, you are already
networked. Here's the standard how-to from MS-MVP Malke:
Run the Network Setup Wizard on each computer, 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.
If that doesn't work for you, here is an excellent network
troubleshooter by MVP Hans-Georg Michna. Take the time to go through it
and it will usually pinpoint the problem area(s) -
http://winhlp.com/wxnet.htm
--
Lem -- MS-MVP - Networking
To the moon and back with 64 Kbits of RAM and 512 Kbits of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
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