How do you set up a file/printer sharing network for a small business?

Question

I have 3 brand new computers that I'm trying to network. They're all running XP and they're all connected through a router. I've run Microsoft Network Wizard on all of them and have tried using different configurations including creating a network disc but the computers still don't see one another. What should I do?

Answer 1

If all of the computer are directly ran to the router using Ethernet then you might have to enable VPN on the router. I don't know what type of router you have but you need to go the the set up page. You get to the set up page by:
*go to start, run, and type in cmd.
*This will bring you to command line and then type in ipconfig.
*You should have a IP address and the default gateway other then 0.0.0.0
*Next you would open Internet explorer or any browser and type in the default gateway number it would look something like http://192.168.2.1/ this should bring you to the setup page

If you could tell me the model and make of the router I could help you out more

Answer 2

You need to go to the machine that has the printer and go to Control Panel Printers and Faxes where that printer shows up and right click and select properties. You will find a share this printer option. If you are using XP Home then the printer should appear on the list of printers of the other machines (test with Notepad.)
Files are shared by the owner of the files. One way is to open My Computer then Shared Documents. Anything put in this and its subfolders is shared with other people on the network. If you want to share another folder or drive, drag the Icon to the Shared Documents folder. If you just want to give someone on the network something, save it in Shared Documents To see what is on the other computers, open My Network Places

Answer 3

If, as you say, they are connected through a Router, the problem could be that each of the machines is in a different network "segment". Routers are designed to keep traffic from crossing from one segment to another.

You probably only need a router at a level above the network that we are discussing. If these machines are all in the same workgroup, you can hook them together with a hub (also called a repeater) that simply passes all traffic back and forth. then run one line from that hub to the router to gain access to the Internet.

In this configuration, you should be able to do all the sharing that you want.

I hope this helps you...

--Russ W
Minneapolis, MN

Answer 4

Start ----- Control Panel ------ Faxex' and printers ------ enable sharing ---- test printing ---if not working call the printer manufacturer

Answer 5

u can google it and find step by step pictured instructions