I have difficulty sharing a printer using a WLAN?

Question

when setting up the home network using the xp guide, I put in the usb memory and download the file then install it on my laptop but I don't have a usb slot on my modem router as the xp guide advises so I'm lost and don't have a clue about setting the bloody network up. Also my Olitec modem router and pci card are french and they of course don't do a manual in english. I managed somehow to get it working once and then a virus caused me to restore to a previous point and I lost all the settings and haven't a clue what I did right.
The Windows XP set up program is bloody vague and confusing. Maybe that's just because i'm inexperienced.
can someone help?

Answer 1

Sorry if this sounds like scolding, as it is not meant this way at all, but before using Windows Connect, you need to ensure that all of your hardware supports this type of configuration.

Use the USB stick to configure those items which are compatible with Windows Connect technology. All hardware which supports this will have a USB port to slide the USB stick with the configuration settings into. On the hardware items which do not have a USB port you will have to manually configure them.

Here is a site, yes Microsoft, but it has detailed information on what to do:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/wireless.mspx

Click on the links as needed and follow the instructions. I am assumming you are using a wireless network.

For a mixed network of wireless and wired hardware, follow this and then all you need to for the wired part is hook the RJ-45 connection into a port in the Router, then make sure the same Workgroup name is used.

If your router does not use the USB, then follow the instructions for setting up the router manually.

If you get really lost consider buying this book, it is super and easy to follow and not expensive and can be located at any bookstore or large electronics store such as Frys.

The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home Networking, by Mark Edward Soper.

This books has step by step instructions for setting up and configuraing a home network, either wired, wireless, or mixed, and has additional information on adding game consoles and other network items. It is great and I used it when I was first learning how to setup networks and still consult it from time to time as needed.

Good luck and much success.

Oh, here is another webiste which you may find useful:

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1427&page=1

This is an article which helps people set up networks which spans several pages and is worthy of reading.

Here is the main Microsoft website for all your networking needs:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/default.mspx