Installing a network between XP and XP

Thursday, July 3, 2008 by tippytoenail | Discussion: Windows XP

OK, I admit it I have know Idea what I'm doing! We would like to be able to access each others comp through a network so we don't have to continuously plug and unplug our drives back and forth (if that is possible). We both have a network card and we use Ethernet to surf.I tried the network wizard but to no avail. I could use a little help or a hint in the right direction PLEASE !!
eieio
Reply #1 Thursday, July 3, 2008 7:13 PM
If you have High Speed Internet, such as Cable or DSL, and most people do, the easiest way to network both PCs is to get a Cable Modem/DSL Router. It comes with instructions which are very easy.

Basically you plug the cable from your Internet modem into the WAN port and plug the PCs into the LAN ports .. typically there are 4 LAN ports. Refer to the specific instructions for the model you purchase.

This will give both PCs Internet access and put them on the same network. It will also provide some measure of protection from nasties on the Internet, although you should still use Anti-Virus software, Firewalls, etc. on each PC.

Each PC probably has a folder already shared .. Shared Documents, so you both should already have access to each others PC.

It would be a good idea to do a little study on networks and file sharing to make your PCs as secure as possible while still giving you the ability to share files, etc.
tippytoenail
Reply #2 Friday, July 4, 2008 2:02 AM
^#$%^@ (  That was me pulling my hair out AGAIN. I had to install a network card on my comp then we installed a Linksys router so we both have access to DSL . We both have the shared documents but but each of us only see our own files and our folders are enabled to share. So at least now I know we are headed in the right direction. One thing I did notice when I hit run and typed in IPCONFIG it had on the first line under connections it said domain invalid. Also not sure what the subnet mask is or that it is necessary for me to know. The address is correct HA-HA that is the only thing I know.
So I will go back and read the manual again. I'm bound to be doing something wrong! Thank you for your help at least I feel a little bit better about it now. Will check back in a couple of days to let know something.Again thank you !
eieio
Reply #3 Friday, July 4, 2008 9:22 AM
tippytoenail, it sounds as if you are on the right track. PM me if you still have problems.
tippytoenail
Reply #4 Saturday, July 5, 2008 4:36 PM
Hey pictoratus,
I finally got it going on! As of 4:18 today I can see both comps now! I will have to do a little study on the security aspects as I don't have much knowledge on how to set things up much in that area. By the way Norton Internet Security was my downfall on viewing her files. Thanks again for the directions !!!   
eieio
Reply #5 Saturday, July 5, 2008 5:29 PM
Thanks again for the directions !!!


Glad to hear you got it going!   

And as a bonus, you learned a little more about your PC!   

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