Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Hi all,

I am new to this forum and I excited to begin learning alot computers. I currently have 3 running desktops in the house, as well as two laptops, and I wish I knew a whole lot more about keeping them working!!

Anyhow, my first question is, what does it take to "network" all of these computers? I would like to be able to share files from computer to computer, (i had someone set this up once way back in the days of windows 95) as well as share printers. My setup is as follows. I have cable internet, and a cable modem, as well as a router in the basement of my house. The router splits the signal, one of which goes to a desktop on the main floor, and the other goes up to the office on the second floor. The basement router is not wireless, and not very new, we have had it for quite some time and I have no idea what kind it is. Then, upstairs, I have a signal coming out of one jack in the wall, from there I have another (wireless) router that I just picked up from office depot, it is a linksys router. I have one desktop plugged in via wire, and then, the router sends another signal back into the wall and it comes out on the other side of the office. (it is set up really screwy because the house was wired wrong) on the other side of the office I have a desktop computer and I run a laptop over there frequently also. I would like to eliminate this big mess of wires that is running all over the office, so I picked up the wireless router. I plan to make that one desktop, and both of my laptops work of the wireless, plus this way I can move around the house because it will cover most of it.

With that said, what does it take to get all of these computers on the same network. I tried some stuff using the xp-networking wizard, but it didn’t work. I really have no idea what I am doing, so that didn’t help. As i was trying to set this up i read something about having a host computer, this is where you hopefully come in... I do not want to have one computer always on in order for the other ones to work. Is there a possible way to get around that? Do I need to buy some type of "network router" or is this possible through my linksys or other wired router? I also have printers that I want to be able o access from any computer in the house, i have one on the mainfloor, and two different ones in the office. Also, I read a little about security, and the all I got out of it was there is a possibility for someone to hack into my network. Is that possible? Can they then view information that is on my computer? I don't really know what takes place when you starting grabbing files from other computers on the network so I do not know. I really do not want that to be a problem though, I have alot of info on these computers that contain alot of private info. Do I then need some type of firewall router or something?

Also, I have seen these external hard drives, in advertisements. I guess you can plug all your comps into that somehow and then store everything one that one hard drive? (What do they call these things??) Is that something I may want to consider? I am a bit short on storage space, my computers have varying hard drive sizes, 6 gig, 10 gig, 4 gig (two of which xp hogs, this comp is full to the max!), and the other one has two 15 gigs in it… If every computer had around 30 gig that would be plenty, but they don’t. They are all pretty old and out of date, the newest processor any of them has is a pentium two. Anyone know of a good site to get cheap hard drives?

I need help, as I am quite new to all of this.... Anyone that can shed any light onto my situation, hopefully understand what I just typed, and help me get going in the right direction would be much appreciated. Thanks!!!

-Nicholas

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Are the connections from your router in the basement moveable? For example, could you run a few more lines to your first and second floor easily?

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

no, I am sorry to say I cannot, everything is hidden between layers of drywall.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

All right, I'll make a diagram here real quick of what you could possibly do.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Here is what I was thinking. If you could have created more lines, that might have made things easier by giving each computer its own line, but since you cannot then this is my solution. The printer could be connected to any one of these computers and when you share it over the network anyone who is connected can print from it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ock1988/R1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ock1988/R2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ock1988/R3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ock1988/R4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ock1988/R5.jpg

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

thank you for the ideas, my next question, is this all necessary in order to get them on a network? Essentially this is how they are wired, minus the switch on the first floor, because I only have on comp there anyways. THey still all end up being on the same common line coming in to the house.... Can't I just go from there somehow? I still need to know how to do this too as far as the computer/software end of it is concerned.... Thanks again, I look forward to more help!

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

To be on the same network, computers must be interconnected or connected to a central point that can distribute information to other computers or gather information from other computers. In this case, everything flows back to your router which will do that.

Well, the basics should be there, at least a switch on your second floor because that appears so far to be the only way that will allow you to connect multiple computers. Keep in mind if you don't want a switch on your first floor, you will have to go to the second floor to plug in your laptops and be able to have them on the network.

If I'm understanding you correctly, all the computers do need to be on the same common line to be networked, and you said your cable modem was in your basement and it was also connected to your router. So essentially, you are going from your common line.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

If I'm understanding you correctly, all the computers do need to be on the same common line to be networked, and you said your cable modem was in your basement and it was also connected to your router. So essentially, you are going from your common line.[/quote]

This is a true statement, therefore they are all connected, so what is the next step?? Keep in mind I have a wireless router Upstairs that will cover the whole house, this is how I intend to use the laptops. So what do I need to do and what equipment do I actually need to get them going on a network. If anyone else is looking at this, go to my first post and see what it is I want to do, I said it all in there. Nomad, thanks for the help so far!

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Just replace the switch in the diagram on the second floor with your wireless router then and ditch the switch on the first floor and connect your one computer directly to the line on the first floor. You can connect the two computers and then connect wirelessly with your laptops. Here is what it would look like now:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ock1988/R6.jpg

The router in the basement still carries the main signal and creates the flow of traffic for all three computers. The computer on the first floor is connected directly to the line coming from the router out of the wall. On the second floor, the line coming from the router out of the wall is connected to your wireless router. The two computers on your second floor are connected physically to the wireless router, but the signal the wireless router emits allows you to use your laptops anywhere in your house presumably. However, your laptops must have wireless cards if they are to connect.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Nomad, that would be the exact setup I have now. NOw can anyone help me with actually networking them? What do I need to do to the computers? How can I tell if my downstairs router is capable of networking functions??

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Can someone please help me here? I do not know what to do, I want to get these computers networked. I experimented with using the wizard and nothing works. WHen I go to "My network places" the only computer/file I see is the hard drive on this one midfloor computer, the same is true for upstairs, it just shows the upstairs computer on it. Is there anyway I can wipe out all previous attempts to set this network up and start all over? How do I do this?

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Have you shared any folders on all of the computers? If nothing is shared the computer won't show up on the list.

Pick or make a new folder on your Hard Drive, right-click on it, left-click on "Sharing and Security" and put a check in "Share this folder on the network".

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

You might want to make sure all your computers are on the same workgroup. Look under computer name, in system properties. Try and move it away from the generic "workgroup", give it an origanal name for security reasons, "sealan" or any name that suits your fancy. This has to be done on all computers on the network for less hassle reasons. Xp pro will see the different workgroups, but xp home is blind half the time, but then so is xp pro ;) the networking wizard is a crock (thanka billy'b bob' GaTes), just enable file sharing on the shared my documents folders on all the pc's, and just use it as a temperary park for the stuff you want to move around the network. One thing about wireless.....make sure you use encryption, if its wide open (un-ecrypted) and you open up shares, anyone on the street, with a wireless laptop can jump right in, and wreck havoc on your files in the share. Evan neighbors with wireless can zip thru your stuff, ecryption won't stop 100% of the sniffers.........but for the most part will knock out 98.5% of them........most are too lazy to mess with ecryptede networks....takes too long to gather packets to crack the key......for the most part, all the shares will show in the network neighbor hood, provided your firewalls are configured (if on). Good luck.........lots of good info here in these forums.....sure you will get lots of good advice and this was gonna be just a quick post......lol :)

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

And how Do I access this "system properties?" where you are easily changing the name? I did this earlier through right clicking on my computer, then properties, then I did something in there, but I don't remember, I know they are both on the "mshome" though. (You have no idea how computer retarded I am....)

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Right-click "My Computer", click on the tab at the top marked "Computer Name", then click "Change". Tick the box for "Workgroup" and put in the name of your choice. Make sure all the other computers are set to the same workgroup name.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

OK, if I go "my network places" from the start menu, the only thing that shows up in the list is "Micron (C) on downstairskids (Dave)" which would apply to this computer, How come my upstairs computer, "upstairsoffice" is not showing up in the list? What about IP addresses, is xp going to automatically config this stuff, or is it something I need to change manually? I had a D-link print hub not to far back and I know I had to mess with the IP address on that upstairs comp, is it possible I messed it up somehow? HOw do I check? The term "Dave" in there is what? The computer name right? "downstairskids" I believe is what I named the computer description. Anyway, I appreciate the help so far!

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Have you tried what I suggested in Post #12? :)

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Yes Sir, but it did not work! I dont know whats goin on...

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

networking with xp is not always straight forward, you might see the workgroup when you click on the network neighborhood, or some of the computers on your network, but in fact, they may very well all be there. I find myself having to go straight to the computer by name with the run command \\gamepc (just a computer name), then boom........hey wow, xp sees the computer on the network....then it shows up in the network neighborhood........go figure......."thanks billy BoB G'....." Do make sure you have open shares on all the pc's you wish to move files back and forth to, if the sharing is not on, then that pc will not show up in the work group as available....I run 2 xp boxes at home, along with a 98/Linux box, and an xp home version laptop......and when it comes to networking, the only one that always see's everything..........like its suppose to, is Fedora Core 3(my linux of choice) :thumbsup: but with the run command, and the network short cut method from the command prompt \\pcname usually works everytime, given the shares are on......

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

One quick way to test your network (to see if all the pc's are there) is to ping them, as long as you know the names of all the pc's (the computer name) from system properties where you checked the workgroup name (mshome). To ping them from xp, just go to the run/command prompt (hit Control + r) and type cmd, should bring up a black box (dos prompt) then type ping pcname if you get a reply, then its on your network, if it times out, then its not on the network(or the sharing is not setup) or its possible you have a windows firewall turned on(xp sp2 likes to have the windows firewall on by default).

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

What do you see when you do Start>>Search>>Computers or People>>A Computer on the Network and put in the name of one of your other computers?

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Do all the comps have to be named the same thing? I think I read that somewhere.... I and I named all of them "Dave" Could that possibly be causing a problem?

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

No! They all need unique names. You could name them Dave1, Dave2, etc, or call the Tom, Dick and Harry. I like to use distinctive names, like Bedroom, Office, etc. Just make sure they are all different.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

That would be a good start, give them different comptuer names, but leave them all on the same workgroup "myfavLan" or what ever work group you want to call it, but then, yes, give each computer its own name, then see if that works for you.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

When I do what profdlp said too, in post #21, all I get when I type in "Dave" which I named both computers, (I am only trying to just get two hooked up for now) is "downstairskids (Dave)" listed twice, and nothing else! These aren't case sensitive are they? I did try both ways...

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

What is the best way to rename them? Right click "my comp">> properties>>change???

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

yes, the change button on the computer name tab (my comp, properties, comp name, then click the change tab) once you change it, it will tell you to reboot, then its done.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Okay, I renamed the upstairsoffice one "NICHOLAS" it is still not finding it when I search for computers or people. WHats next??

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Now when I ping from the downstairs computer (Dave) I get a reply from "NICHOLAS" and the ip address is 192.168.123.000. When I ping from upstairs (NICHOLAS) I get a reply from "Dave" and the ip address is 192.168.0.5. THis is not normal is it? Aren't the ip's closer together, like 192.168.123.000 and then the other would be 192.168.123.001 ???

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

can you ping it? from the run command line (think i told you wrong on the keyboard shortcut) its the window key (flag + r) or go to the start menu, and use the run command, then type in cmd, that will give you the dos box, then try and ping nicholas.... just type ping nicholas

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

try the run command from pc 'Dave' and type in \\Nicholas see if it connects to that pc and shows you the shared folder on that pc.....

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

BOwz, I tried that, it says the network path is not found. How come I can still ping it then??

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Give it a try from the other side, go from nicholas to \\dave and see if that share comes up.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

When you use Windows Explorer and browse to "Entire Network" what shows up in the place where my picture shows "1491"?

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Depends on the setup, it looks like yours is seeing the work group, can you expand it and see computer names?

My laptop shows my home shares (even though i am at work) but then, here at work, its my entire network, wich puts me into all the domain stuff (server stuff).

You might have to share a computer that is on the same router with another one, or try two that are on the switch, and see if you get the shares to work there, then you will know if the problem is between the router and the switch, if it does not work on the same router/switch, then you know its a setting in windows networking (firewall on/or not configured, or shares not set right). Give that a go and see what happens, sure you will get it one of these trys.....just think of it like a big map, just a matter of connecting the dots......and making sure all the roadways are open. :)

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

I was asking sailinstud420. My network is fine, thanks. :D

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Whoop.........on da quick reply :D my bad.... :eek:

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

profdbl- the only thing that is showing up on the mainfloor computer, (Dave) is "Micron (C) on downstairskids (Dave)" I have none of that other stuff showing up.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

On the upstairs computer, I just ran up here, thats why there is two different posts, I am seeing Two things in place of your 1491. One says "Mshome" and the other says "workgroup" I must also ad the fact that the other stuff there is not showing up, such as "microsoft terminal services" and "web client network" Did you read my last post about the ip address? I think I changed it on this upstairs computer (NICHOLAS) a while back to try to get a d-link print server to work, but that I found out later, was not usable with a multifunction (print scan fax) printer. Also, out of curiosity, are the computer names case sensitive??

BOwz- when I expand It I can see, Nicholas, when I expand Nicholas I see: C, Shared Documents, Printers and Faxes, and scheduled tasks. I am not seeing any sight of the other computer back downstairs (Dave)??? What do I do about that downstairs computer (dave) that is not showing me anything under my network places other than "Micron (C) on downstairskids (Dave)" ?? I am still grateful for the help, keep it up. Make sure you look at what I said about the IP address stuff in the first paragraph of this post.. I think this could be part of my problem

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

"1491" is the name of my workgroup. The fact that you're seeing Mshome makes me think your workgroups haven't been set right on both computers. Is "workgroup" the name of your workgroup on both computers?

Don't worry about the "other stuff". It's for WinXPpro and shouldn't be a factor.

Make sure that all of your computers are set to obtain an IP address automatically, the router will handle the rest.

Not for a simple search. "CoMpuTer" works just as good as "Computer".

One thing to keep in mind: Your computer name cannot be the same as your username.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Both computers are most definitely named "MSHOME" for a workgroup name. So that is one problem we can rule out.

What Do I do about it? And why in the world on the downstairs computer, (dave) am I not seeing anything as far a workgroup name goes? The only thing that shows up is my a folder of my hard drive, read previous post.

How do I do that?

And one last question... Are you getting sick of me yet? lol... This is just the beginning, I have so many computer problems...

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

When you right-click on "MY Computer", left-click "Properties" and click on "Computer Name" what shows up on the line marked "Workgroup:" on the downstairs computer?


Make sure that all of your computers are set to obtain an IP address automatically, the router will handle the rest.
(See the attached picture)
Go into Control Panel>>Network Connections and right-click on the Internet connection for your network card, then left-click "Properties". You should see something like the picture marked with a red "1". Click on the "Properties" button. This should bring up Picture #2. Highlight "Internet Protocol(TCP/IP)" with a single left-click, then click "Properties". This should bring up picture #3. Put a check in both of the boxes that are checked in the picture.

Another thing to check while you're in Picture #2 is that you have "File and Printer Sharing For Microsoft Networks" installed. It should look like the line marked with the blue arrow. If it's not there, let us know. That could be the solution to the whole problem.


No problem. :)

A funny thing about volunteering to lend a hand at this website is that we often get almost as wrapped up in the problem as the person posing the question. There is a way to get this to work. I will be almost as happy as you will be once we get it whipped.

As to the other computer problems, let's take them one at a time for now. :vimp:

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Just to clarify, you have a regular router downstairs? with one of the computers and the cable modem? and a wireless router upstairs? with the second computer and the laptop?

With two routers, you have firewalls in each unit, you will only be able to access the pc on the first router from a pc on the second router, but because of the firewall on the second router, it will not access the pc on the first router. Thats the beauty of a hardware firewall, it blocks out the traffic from the internet (cable modem), but if you put a second router in the configuration, by default, its going to block the traffic from the outside (or in this case, the first router) thinking its the outside world (its just doing its job)

Like profldp says, its a pleasure to help people out, and this site is full of some really great people when it comes to tech, i have found things here, that I can't find anywhere else on the web.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Alright, here is the scoop....

I unplugged the computer upstairs and plugged it directly into the wall, (unplugged it from the wireless router) I restarted the computer (nicholas) and after that, I went to view my network connections, low and behold there was my downstairs computer, finally showing up on my workgroup which I renamed "Dave Diephouse" Here is where the problem starts. When I try to click on the downstairs computer (dave) it says that access is denied and to check with your network administrator.

Now, when I come back downstairs (Dave) I tried again to set up a network, when I do this I go to my computer>> my network places>> set up a home or small office network. From there I go through the wizard, it gives three options...

1. This computer connects directly to the internet, the other computers on my network connect to the internet through this computer.


2. This computer connects to the internet through another computer on my network or through a residential gateway.

3. Other

I chose "other." The next list is as follows...

1. This computer connects to the internet directly through a network hub. Other computers on my network also connect to the internet directly or through a hub.

2. This computer connects directly to the internet. I do not have a network yet.

3. This computer belongs to a network that does not have an internet connection.

I chose option 1.

Now, I go through the next few steps and it says something about windows does not recommend this setup... I click next anyhow.... I then name the computer (Dave) and the workgroup "Dave Diephouse" to make it something unique. It does a series of configuration setup stuff and then proceeds to tell me that something failed during the setup and you can set it up manually.
I think this is the way i want to go about setting this up, right? I will stress again, I want a peer to peer, or residential gateway type network, I do not want to have a host computer....

Also, if I go my computer on the downstairs comp (dave) and attempt to “view workgroup computers” it says Dave Diephouse is not accessible and you may not have permission to use this network resource. Check with your administrator, blah blah blah, it then says the list of workgroups is not available. I am led to believe there is some type of setting that is throwing me off on this downstairs computer. What is going on? We are making progress btw..... I can at least see this downstairs comp from upstairs..... Thanks for the continued support.

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

If it can see the other computer, and you can ping it, and you pulled the second router out of the loop, then more then likely its a firewall issure on the pc (windows firewall is on by defualt in Xp-sp2) I believe the wizard will turn the firewall on also, if I am not mistanken. From the local connectons folder, go to the properties of your lan, then check the advanced tab, see if the windows firewall is on, it it is, turn it off, then see if your networking works then.......just another step in the way to making it all work......hang in there.........your getting closer :D

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

I turned off the firewall stuff, it seems like my computer is not holding these settings though, becuase I know I had turned that off before, but then it was back on. Now that it is turned off, I still cannot get it to work, the same messages pop up, what else is there to turn off? How about something in the configuration of the TCP/IP? And also, when I try to ping the upstairs computer (nicholas) It times out every single time!!! I can ping from upstairs and find this computer downstairs (dave)?? Any thoughts based on that info?

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Do the folders you shared have the icon with the hand on it? What happens when you try to browse to the "Shared Documents" folder on the other computer?

Did you check that "File and Printer Sharing For Microsoft Networks" is installed?

What do the messages say?

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

I cannot open anything on that upstairs computer, when I try to open the computer (dave) from the upstairs computer it says that I do not have permission to access it. and it has no hand on it. if I go to my computer on the downstairs comp (dave) and attempt to “view workgroup computers” it says Dave Diephouse is not accessible and you may not have permission to use this network resource. Check with your administrator, blah blah blah, it then says the list of workgroups is not available.

How do I check to see if it installed??

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

Did you check that "File and Printer Sharing For Microsoft Networks" is installed?

Look at the area marked with the blue arrow in Picture #2 in Post # 42. :cool:

Re: Networking XP Computers, Computer Illiterate here....
 

File and print sharing is and was enabled. What next