Creating a network (Vista -> XP Pro)

[masakabassist]

Hey all,

Just wondering how I would create a wired network from my laptop (Acer Aspire 5633WMLi) to my desktop (in sig). I've tried it before in XP and it has not worked. I would like to share the files on both the laptop and desktop and use the printer which is connected to my dsktop via USB. My laptop is running Vista Home Premium and my desktop is running XP Pro SP2. I have two network ports on my desktop motherboard and one on my laptop.

The laptop is currently configured to connect to the internet via wireless and my desktop uses a wired network connection. The router that it runs through is a Belkin modem router.

Is there anyway I could do this without spending a bomb? I have the cable ready but not the brains behind the idea lol :)

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

[aftermath]

ok im going to make an assumption --> you have a router?

if so then...

Right click my computer properties and go to computer name In vista right clik my comp and select properties then on the left chose "system protection" to get to the name tab

make a note of the computer names.

in XP press start and run enter

\\%VISTANAME%\c$

where %VISTANAME% is the name of the computer ie myxyzpc

if you get a log in grate do step B

if no log in do A

A. on XP first

start control panel network connections open the relavent connection properties and click properties, then in the list check the Enable file sharing option or add a service for it by clicking install)

OK

on Vista
start control panel network and sharing center (if it's not broke change the name) wait for it to open,
turn on network discovery file and print sharing

Now do B

B.

open my PC on any pc open C

create a new folder

Right click folder click sharing allow other users to alter files

simple file sharing usually does not seam to work, cant explain it anyway never used XP off a domain.
same for vista, except the file sharing seems more convoluted than XPs


C.

now on any pc type \\%name%\%sharename%

and login with admin user and pass

Obviously with out the % sines

ie \\YMIR\Netdrive

[shard]

Very good to know, thanks aftermath!

[Randyman...]

I use a regular MSHOME Workgroup on my 3 XP Desktops (one with a shared USB Printer), and then I set up 2 Vista Laptops for the MSHOME Network, and all worked like a charm - Printer Sharing and all??? Go figure...

:cool:

[masakabassist]

Cheers dude works like a beast :)