Creating a Network

[Nylah]

I am trying to create a network again for my home office. I had one as of yesterday but since I changed OS I need to re-establish it.

Both systems are running XP Professional.

I have run the network setup wizard on BOTH machines.
-I did the host PC first and created a name for the network
-I enabled the share permission for the folders I want accessible on the network.
-now that I have run the setup wizard on the next computer, it still cannot find the network I set up.
-I've walked thru the Help directions and still no change.

Seems like I am missing a step to enable the network to be seen by the other equipment

[kia027]

Re: Creating a Network

what is your equipment

i.e. what are you connecting

are you connecting your pcs and printers to each other via a router?

it should not be as complex as you have listed here

[Nylah]

Re: Creating a Network


it sounds more complex than it actually is. I have done it before but cant figure out why it isnt working this time.

I have
desktop
laptop
2 wireless printers

All are connected to a router - only the laptop is wireless, the rest are hard wired to the router.

I created the network and now have tried to map each to it and it just wont read that it is there.

[kia027]

Re: Creating a Network

ok so it sound like you need to map a drive to the pcs and establish the printers on both?

I forget how to map the drive but j-kid will graciously tell you and to establish the printers you would just go to the printer options.

[Nylah]

Re: Creating a Network

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: I_Kia</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ok so it sound like you need to map a drive to the pcs and establish the printers on both?

I forget how to map the drive but j-kid will graciously tell you and to establish the printers you would just go to the printer options. </div></div>

yes, I believe this is right. I have been attempting to map them myself and it isnt working so I know I am missing a step.

I am in no rush

[j-kid]

Re: Creating a Network

Right click on &quot;My Computer&quot;.

The network name must also be the same for all connected devices.

[Nylah]

Re: Creating a Network

I did right-click and restarted but the okay button is still greyed out for me to connect to the network name.

[Diplomat]

Re: Creating a Network

1) Was the network created as a workgroup?
2) During setup, did you get the confirmation that the PC was connected to the workgroup?
3) In the computer description field, try to keep that short (I tend to leave it blank). If it's too long, the network will not show.
4) Can you successfully ping the other PC? (At the Command Prompt, type ping &lt;name of PC&gt;.)
5) If yes to 4, can you map to a shared folder on the other PC? (My Computer -&gt; Tools -&gt; Map Network Drive -&gt; select drive letter -&gt; below that, type in &quot;\\&lt;name of PC&gt;\&lt;name of shared folder&gt;&quot.
6) What service pack are the PCs running?

[Nylah]

Re: Creating a Network

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1) Was the network created as a workgroup? <span style="font-weight: bold">yes</span>
2) During setup, did you get the confirmation that the PC was connected to the workgroup? <span style="font-weight: bold">looks like it, so yes</span>
3) In the computer description field, try to keep that short (I tend to leave it blank). If it's too long, the network will not show.<span style="font-weight: bold">it is less than 12 letters. So that sohuld be fine</span>
4) Can you successfully ping the other PC? (At the Command Prompt, type ping &lt;name of PC&gt;.)<span style="font-weight: bold">let me try</span>
5) If yes to 4, can you map to a shared folder on the other PC? (My Computer -&gt; Tools -&gt; Map Network Drive -&gt; select drive letter -&gt; below that, type in &quot;\\&lt;name of PC&gt;\&lt;name of shared folder&gt;&quot.<span style="font-weight: bold">this is where things arent working</span>
6) What service pack are the PCs running? </div></div><span style="font-weight: bold">SP3 on both</span>

[Diplomat]

Re: Creating a Network

Based on your answer to (5), I take it the answer to (4) is &quot;no&quot;? Also, do both PCs have IP addresses? I'm just curious as to wether the router is configured to assign, and is assigning, IPs dynamically.

[Nylah]

Re: Creating a Network


oh okay.

I do have my router set to assign IP addresses dynamically

[Diplomat]

Re: Creating a Network

And you are logged in to your ISP via the router? Also, let me know if the PCs are showing IP addresses. At the command prompt, type in &quot;ipconfig&quot;.

[Nylah]

Re: Creating a Network


Yes, I am.

I pinged both computers and yes, I am getting IP addresses for both.

I tried pinging my laptop on my desktop and it doesnt recognize it.

[Diplomat]

Re: Creating a Network

OK..just to verify a couple more things.

Right click My Network Places -&gt; Properties

Right click Local Area Connection -&gt; Properties

Confirm that you have the following with checkmarks beside them (on both systems):
Client for MS Networks
QoS Packet Scheduler
File and Printer Sharing
Internet Protocol

[Nylah]

Re: Creating a Network


alright done.

both items have the correct boxes checked off.