I can't get a home network working?

Question

I can share the internet connection, but I can't see files on my computer. My setup is like this: A desktop with a dsl modem hooked up to it with an ethernet cable and a laptop with a wireless system built in. Both are Windows XP. Like I said, I can get to the internet fine on the laptop, but I can't see the shared folder (called NETWORK and set to allow full sharing) on my desktop. Both computers are set to have the default MSHOME Workgroup name. I've tried using the Wireless Network wizard and even tried physically hooking up the laptop to the modem with another ethernet cable. Any suggestions or links to a place that might help? My previous online searches haven't helped.

Answer 1

First, make sure that both are on the same subnet. Go to Start/All Programs/Accessories/Command Prompt. In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" (without the quotes). Do this on both computers. Make sure that both are in the same IP range, typically 192.168.1.x. Both must have the same first three numbers, but the x at the end can be any number between 2 to 255 - both computers must have a different number. If the first three numbers don't match, then the DSL modem isn't providing the IP addresses correctly.

Next, try pinging one from the other. At the command prompt, type "ping 192.168.1.x" where x is the number from the other computer. If the ping passes successfully, do the same thing from the other computer. If ping fails, then go to Start/My Network Places and in the left column of the window, click on View Network Connections. In the right window, right click on your Local Area Connection and click on Properties. Click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to highlight it. Don't uncheck it. Click Properties. Make sure that "Obtain an IP address automatically" is selected. Do the same thing for the other computer.

If both are set correctly, there's a chance that the wireless DSL modem is configured wrong. You'll need to find the manual and log onto the modem to check the configuration. Your DSL provider maybe able to help you check the configuration.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Have you configured your firewalls/Security Suites to allow network connections?