basic networking questions

[bhome83]

have two computers both on winxp professional but still can't figure out how to share files and printer. i can connect to the internet on both of them so i assume i did something right. i have a d-link (model: DI 604) wired router. if my two computers are both getting internet doesn't that mean they are networked together? is there some place i have to go to enable file/printer sharing. thanks for helping.

[dsl boy]

windows xp is very simple to network. in the control panel it has an easily navigable network setup wizard. run that on both pc's choosing connect through a network hub. once you do that on both and restart them you should see eachother in my network places. now you only need to choose whiich folders you want to share. right-click on that folder and choose sharing and security. you will be able to access it from the other pc. if you use only sp2 windows firewall it will automatically configure it to see the other pc. if you have an additional software firewall you would need to add the pc's STATIC local ip addresses to the trusted ips on the firewall. if you don't have static local ip's then set them. also in the my network places is the printers and faxes. choose that and it will walk you right through installing your network printer. this is just a basic basic network, nothing flashy. hope it helps.

[dsl boy]

i forgot to add that if you haven't already you need to go to the control panel-> system and name each of the pc's and make sure that they are on the same workgroup

[bhome83]

i think i might have figured it out now. but was wondering though when i first use the network setup wizard it says 'select the statement that best describes this computer'
1) connects directly to internet
2) connects through residential gateway
3) other

how do i know which one to choose for the 2 computers i want to share files with? at first i chose the 1st option for my bedroom computer because the cable modem and router are on the downstairs computer. so for downstairs computer clicked #2 but said i couldn't check this option so i just checked #1 for the computer w/the router and cable modem next to it. is this the right way to do it? looks like things are working. will get back to you though if have anymore questions. thanks alot dsl boy.

[dsl boy]

if you choose other it will give you the option for through network hub or residential gateway, that is the one you want.

[bhome83]

so is 'other' the option i choose for the computer that has the router next to it? what option do i choose for the computer that doesn't have the router next to it? even though its working right now should i do this step over or just leave it?

[dsl boy]

if its working and they can see eachother then it is nothing to worry about, don't change it. just letting you know that there is that option under other. if they are both hooked through the router it would be the one to choose. however if everything is working correctly, it is of no consequence.

[bhome83]

i turned off xp firewall because i have sygate personal firewall but when the firewall is turned on network doesn't work. looked everywhere in the settings of this firewall but can't find where im supposed to input my ip to allow it to be accessed over the network.

[dsl boy]

xp firewall is automaticall configured to allow the network traffic through the network setup wizard. sygate i'm not that familiar with, but looking through the help http://smb.sygate.com/support/docume...Help/SPF55.htm it is probably under tools and options.

[glc]

Software firewalls behind a router are problematic allowing filesharing. I recommend that they not be used, unless you want to go buy a professional version - the freebies are purposely not network friendly. The other option is use NetBEUI for filesharing - it goes right through firewalls and is not exposed to the Internet. If you must use only TCP/IP, you need to fully enable NetBIOS in the advanced TCP/IP properties (WINS tab) and turn off 802.1x authentication on the local area network connection.

[bhome83]

glc, do you just recommend me using winxp firewall? i always thought that this wasn't the best firewall to use that is why i have sygate personal firewall. also, i noticed that when one of my computers was turned off i couldn't access files on that computer. its supposed to be like this i guess right?

[WhatsThisBoxFor?]

If you are using Sygate make sure that under Options -> Network Neighbourhood under the NIC you use to connect to the network you have enabled file and print sharing, otherwise sygate will block the sharing traffic. But, as glc said, using NetBEUI for filesharing is much easier. You might not want to use the Windows firewall, since this can cause more problems than it's worth, when compared to sygate or zonealarm.

[bhome83]

what's this NetBEUI you guys are talkin about?

[Gizmo]

NetBEUI is short for NetBios Extended User Interface. It's an enhanced version of the NetBIOS protocol used by network operating systems.

[glc]

Don't sweat a firewall - your router is a firewall. Make it easy on yourself.

also, i noticed that when one of my computers was turned off i couldn't access files on that computer. its supposed to be like this i guess right?

Think about this for a minute.

Still in doubt?

Can you watch TV when the TV is turned off?