Networknig....

[dlinkwit27]

We recently jus bought two new computers to go with an older one and we want to network them all. We have a cabel conection, and have two of the computers using that connection via a Linksys 4-port router. There are three distinct computers in terms of which one is fastest, most HD space ect, so to keep thigns clear, I will set thim up as so...

code:


Newest and "best" computer = ComA

second best                = ComB

old computer               = ComC

easy enough right? right. OK, coms A and B are running WinXP Home and we want to network all three so that we can share fils between them, have differen user names, share the internet connection, play games, and share printers. We want ComA to be the "host" com. Any suggestions to additional hardware that may be needed? Is the 4-port Linksys router enough for now?

Thnx for all your help!

p.s. I know the basics of how to set up user names and such. I went through the XP tutorial, and I think I got teh basics.

[Avalon]

All I know is that on each computer you have to set them up to be able to file share, and you have to set one computer as the "connection" (I think), or the computer that is looked for to go out. I'm not sure if I'm right or even close, it's been a bit since I've had to really deal with networking (even on a basic level)

[dlinkwit27]

Yea, that's what I thought, also what I meant by ComA being the "host." Well, at leat I haev conformation on one part!

[Some1]

All I know is that on each computer you have to set them up to be able to file share,

True.

and you have to set one computer as the "connection" (I think), or the computer that is looked for to go out.

False, as long as he has the router. He can plug his internet connection into the router, then all 3 computers, and all 3 will have access (i.e. the router becomes the "connection" or the "thing that is looked for to go out"). This is the whole point of having a router.

Getting the Win XP boxes to do what you want should be pretty easy, and generally speaking, plugging them both into the router and (maybe) rebooting should be all you need to do (if not then run the network configuration wizard from the control panel). Getting them to talk to the old computer can be a bit tricky...I've run into problems where Win XP computers wouldn't talk to computers with older OS's (Win 95/98). Every time I've seen this problem, I was able to correct it by instaling NetBios and IPX protocols on all the computers involved...so I recommend taking the time to make sure that these things are installed on all the computers before you hook everything up and end up spending hours trying various troubleshooting techniques because "the network just isn't working."

EDIT: And you don't really need any of the computers to act as a host...your router should do this (I'm assuming your 4 port linksys router is the same one that I have, in which case it will act as a DHCP server, network hub, firewall, and router all in one). Using a computer to host the network/internet connection is what you do when you DON'T have a seperate router/hub (i.e. internet connection goes directly to one computer instead of to the router, then other comuters are connected to the first, either directly or through a network hub, and the first computer acts as DHCP server, gateway, etc., but if you have a router, this is completely unnecessary)

[dlinkwit27]

OK, I have managed to make it so that All three computers can be on the internet at the same time. Like you said, that wasn't hard at all. The thing that is currently stumping my is how I can make it so that all three computers can share files. All computers have open USB ports, and all have 1 Ethernet Card, all being used.

The router I have is: Model No. BEFSR41 ver. 2

[edit]
"Old" compter is running Win2000
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[eleet-2k2]

As long as you set up the computers to file share properly with their own unique names (ie different user names and computer names) and the router has a built in hub, you should be fine. With the router, all three computers will have net access and WinXP should auto-detect that (I believe, but I can't remember from my network setup). Win 2000 should also give you no problems to network. It should work.

As for file sharing, don't worry about USB ports. Like I said before, check the Linksys site (where your model is) and see if it has a built in hub.

If it does, then once you set up each computer to share files, it should work.

If it doesn't, then you'll have to buy a hub, and this setup is harder to do.

But, your most routers now have hubs built in so you should be fine. Check it out though.

[Some1]

The router I have is: Model No. BEFSR41 ver. 2

Yep, same as mine.

The thing that is currently stumping my is how I can make it so that all three computers can share files. All computers have open USB ports, and all have 1 Ethernet Card, all being used.

Your router works as a network hub as well, on one of the Win XP computers go to "Network Neighborhood" or "My Network Places" and see if any of the other computers show up (or if you know the "name" of one of the other computers, you can simply go Start -> Run -> "\\<computer name>" and if the network is working, and if the other computer is sharing files or printers, it will show up in a nice little explorer window). If the network doesn't seem to be working, then install Netbios and IPX protocols on all the computers, as well as the "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" service (and make sure you enable and configure this service, and share a folder or two for test purposes). You may also want to disable the "QoS Packet Scheduler" service, as it's completely unnecessary in a home network. If this sounds like too much work, then run the "Home Networking Wizard" from the control panel and answer the questions it asks you (do this on both the XP computers). When it prompts as to whether or not to make a network setup disk, do so, and use this disk on the Win 2K computer (unless Win 2K has the same wizard, I'm not sure if it does or not). Assuming that all the necessary protocols are installed (the wizard WON'T install netbios or IPX protocol), this should be all you need to do.

As long as you set up the computers to file share properly with their own unique names (ie different user names and computer names)

Almost forgot, you need to do this as well...if you use the wizard then you will be prompted for a computer name and workgroup. Give each computer a unique name, but keep them all in the same workgroup (it's more convenient this way, though you technically can use different workgroups if you really want to). I forget where you go to change your computer name manually, but I remember that it can be done...changing it with the wizard or manually will require a reboot, even on Win XP.

[dlinkwit27]

Thanx all (esp Some1) for all your help! I'm gonig to play aruond a bit. I'll post results later.

[edit]
Woo hoo! It workx! THNX!
[/edit]