trouble adding a computer

  • Thread starter Thread starter KEM
  • Start date Start date
K

KEM

I had successfully setup a network of a desktop running Vista and two laptops
running XP. One of the laptops "died" and we replaced it with another running
Vista.
Try as I might, following all the instructions I can find, I cannot link
this new laptop. Should I just abandon the old network and start fresh?
 
I frankly haven't any idea whether we can "ping" each other. (I don't even
know what that means.) I set it up originally following the Microsoft setup
wizard. We don't share files or printers or any such things--trying to share
a printer once before was a disaster. Access to the internet--we have a cable
modem connection to the desktop--is the key feature desired.
 
You say you are using a modem for the Desktop.
If you have 3 computers, you normally use a Router.
Are you trying to hook up the laptops wirelessly or Wired?
 
Here is how I normally set up XP and Vista.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Have a read of the above link re Vista File and Printer Sharing.

Permissions/Share info is there as well.

If using Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro I.S., make sure file and printer
sharing is enabled in THEIR firewall (or LAN allowed, depending on how their
Exceptions are worded in their Firewall)

1st thing to do is make sure that the Workgroup Name of ALL the computers is
the SAME.

In Vista Network and Sharing:

Network Discovery: ON (So it can see the other computers)

Network set to Private (Public is for hotspots, airports, etc)

File Sharing: ON

Public Folder Sharing: ON (Vista’s Public Folder is the same as XP’s Shared
Docs)

Password Protected: OFF (unless you want to set up identical usernames and
passwords (passwords can be different) on ALL computers in your Network) If
you have it ON, you will be asked for a username and password when you try to
access a Vista computer from an XP computer, or a Vista computer.

Also, run the XP’s Home or Small Office Network File and Printer Sharing
Wizard to include Vista in your “New†Network, even if you had an XP Network
set up prior to adding a Vista computer to it(redoing the Wizard seems to
work for XP machines!).

In “My Network Placesâ€: “Set up a Home or Small Office Networkâ€
OR under Accessories > Communications > Network Setup Wizard > Allow File
and Printer Sharing.
 
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