Connecting XP & 2000 PCs togethre 1

[Designhaus]

This is probably a basic networking question, but I haven't been able to get this stuff to work yet, so thought I'd better ask.

I have an old Windows 2000 workhorse that will soon be retired to book-keeping, etc. and a new Windows XP Pro system that will replace the workhorse for design. I'm planning to connect the two for file and resource (printer, scanner, etc.) sharing via CAT5 lines and I would like to use a Linksys 8-Port Switch (EZXS88W) that I have to make it happen.

How do I get the computers to see one another? I know it's possible to at least share a drive on the 2000 system, since I've got a client who is already doing this and sharing broad-band Internet access this way.

If this question is too broad, perhaps you could point me to a decent book/manual on how to set up such a small network?

Thanks,


Jeff Mowry
Industrial Designhaus, LLC

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

 

[franklin97355]

Join both computers to the same workgroup and share the files you want access to. the other computer should see the files in the network neighborhood.

 

[Designhaus]

How? What you mentioned is what needs to be done. I would like to know how to make it happen, and the particulars of both what and how in greater detail. If I'm missing steps or if I don't understand something, I won't get it to work properly (which I haven't yet). The Windows wizards seem to be missing something when I make the attempt.

Don't I need to set up all the users on each computer or something? Plus, there are some other things as well, such as setting up peripheral items, etc. right?




Jeff Mowry
Industrial Designhaus, LLC

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

 

[franklin97355]

If you need help with the software setup ask your question in the windows 2000 and xp forums, they can help with that.

 

[smah]

Have a look at a few of these:

http://www.wown.com

http://www.homenethelp.com

http://www.hildrum.com/network1.html

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/howto/

 

[NTesla]

Two questions before I start.

Are you using NetBUI or TCP/IP
If you are using TCP/IP have you assigned IP's to all system effected? I assume you are using TCP/IP as you said you were sharing a broadband connection.

You will net to have Client for Microsoft Networks install on the NIC of both computers.

You will need to have file and printer sharing installed or configured on the system that will have the sahred resources.

Make sure both computers are in the same workgroup (do not believe these names are case sensitive as they usually end up all up case anyway)

As far as sharing files in, My Computer or Explorer right click on the drive or folders you want to share and slick sharing. If you will be sharing the entire hard drive click New Share, Name your share and add a description if you wish and click ok all the way out

As far as printer sharing in the printers folder under Start --> Settings --> Printers right click the printer you want to share and click on share, Name the printer and give a description if you wish. Click ok all the way out.
Go the other machine and get back in to the printers folder and click add printer, select network printer, next then browse, you may need to expand the tree to see the printer. Select the printer and click next. The computers will exchange the necessary files, when it is finished you should be able to print.

This should get you started. Let me know if you getit working or need more help.