PLEASE!!! Help me setup file sharing?

Question

I have a new laptop and an older desktop. The desktop is running XP and the laptop running Vista. I have already setup router, and have my wireless connection secured and running properly.

I would like now to be able to share files between the two computers. The desktop has an external USB drive that I keep sending things and then unplugging it and putting it on my laptop. However, I would love to be able to share the files over the network. I like learning things, but this is confusing, and I really want to know how to do it.

I am most likely gonna need step by step. So many settings, and I'm not sure what i am supposed to do. If I'm supposed to do it on both pc's or what. Please someone point me in the right direction. I am desperate :)

My desktop is wired straight to router with cable. Other router cable goes to cable modem. Laptop connects wirelessly. HELP!!!

okay, first thing i notice is when I go to desktop and do what you said. I click sharing and security and the network sharing and security buttons are greyed out. Share this folder on the network button is greyed out and I cannot choose it

Answer 1

I'll add something here. Go into your LAN properties and in the General tab make sure Client for Microsoft Network and File&Printer Sharing boxes have a checkmark. Make sure both PC's have the same workgroup name and WinXP has all the latest updates.Open Window Explorer,Tools,Folder Options,View Tab and scroll down until you get to the end of the list and make sure there's a checkmark in a box that said "Use Simple File Sharing". Now, on your Vista laptop, click on the network icon on the taskbar (lower right hand), select Network&Sharing and check to see if you have File sharing enable or Vista can see Win XP. You can also run the Network Wizard setup on Vista and/or WinXP. If all that seem confusing, you can download a FREE app call Network Magic and it will help you configure sharing for your network. Get it here http://www.networkmagic.com/

EDIT: If your Vista laptop can connect to the router and WinXP , there's no reason why you can't access the Network and Sharing control panel. Check your Firewall or any security suite since something is blocking your access to this panel.
>>Something is not right here, the Network and Sharing is part of the OS, it can't be grayed out. Do you log on your laptop with an Administrative account ??? Try this webpage below for trouble shooting :
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/33307acf-0698-41ba-b014-ea0a2eb8d0a81033.mspx
>>>IF that doesn't help, download the Free version of Network Magic here http://www.networkmagic.com/ >>>It should be able to help you with your problem.

Answer 2

You can do what you want to do.

Make sure both computers are in the same work group

You need to enable network sharing on the folders you want to share.

Go to the desktop. Open Windows Explorer (right click on start, select explore). Right click on the folder you wish to share on the network and click on the sharing option. Note that all folders and sub folders you wish to share need to be classified as share folders. Share folders have a folder icon with a hand at the folder's bottom.

Now go to the notebook. Open Windows Explorer and define the folders on notebook that you want to share and enable sharing.

Now at the notebook and in Windows Explorer, go down to the bottom of the left column to My Network Places and click the +to the left; then click the + to the left of Entire Network and then click the + to the left of Microsoft Windows network and then click the + to the left of the work group your pcs are in. You will see the share drives of the desk top and can copy things over (write click folder, copy and the paste on notebook c drive).

Answer 3

Make definite your firewall settings do permit printer and dossier sharring. Also you could must grand entry permissions on your shared folders to certain customers. It all is dependent upon how your approach is mounted