I would like to setup a home network but am not sure how best to do it. I have two PC's running Vista and a wireless router behind the modem. The desktop is plugged into the ethernet jack ( the house is wired with ethernet ) and the laptop can be used wirelessly or plugged into a jack as necessary. I have a printer connected to the desktop. I would like to be able to print from the laptop as well as access files using one computer from another computer and copy from one to the other as well. It would also be nice if I can figure out how to use the Xbox 360 properly as a media extender. Last year I followed the directions off of the microsoft website but for some reason the only media it detects are the podcasts on my desktop, not the music even though they are in the same folder. I am not completely computer illiterate but not what you would call a power user, so keep the instructions dumbed down please.
Computer Help
- Thread starter jejton
- Start date
- Location
- Port Jefferson station
Recommendations:
Wireless router should be fine. I would invest in a print server for your printer or get a wireless printer (epson workforce 600) they are easy to setup and use.
When you setup the xbox I assume you were using Vista not some media hack for xp?
Either way now you have vista so as long as you have the latest updates you should be fine. Try it again and let me know if you still have the same problem?
If you are going to have to buy the print server, printer what ever go to newegg.com they are hands down the best suplier on the net! I order stuff regular shipping and most times I get it next day.
Anyway not sure what other questions you have? Setting up HN with Vista is very simple just go into network setup and follow the prompts just make all the pc's part of the same work group and watch your file sharing if you do not have security turned on for wireless (WEP...).
Good luck
Wireless router should be fine. I would invest in a print server for your printer or get a wireless printer (epson workforce 600) they are easy to setup and use.
When you setup the xbox I assume you were using Vista not some media hack for xp?
Either way now you have vista so as long as you have the latest updates you should be fine. Try it again and let me know if you still have the same problem?
If you are going to have to buy the print server, printer what ever go to newegg.com they are hands down the best suplier on the net! I order stuff regular shipping and most times I get it next day.
Anyway not sure what other questions you have? Setting up HN with Vista is very simple just go into network setup and follow the prompts just make all the pc's part of the same work group and watch your file sharing if you do not have security turned on for wireless (WEP...).
Good luck
I'd rather not have to buy anything if I can avoid it. I did once setup a HN when I was running a similar setup with xp and was able to share the printer but dont remember how I did it. I think I was running vista when I setup the xbox but will try it again in case I wasnt.
- Location
- Port Jefferson station
The printer is easy just right click > select sharing and follow the prompts. Do this after you have the HN setup so the other pc's will see the printer. The only obvious issue is that you will have to have the pc the printer is connected to on in order for it to work, hence the print server.
Setting up the other pc's is simple too just add a printer and select network radio button when you see it. Then just follow the prompts.
Good luck
Setting up the other pc's is simple too just add a printer and select network radio button when you see it. Then just follow the prompts.
Good luck
Ok so I went to the printer and clicked share this printer. Now Ill try to add it on my computer. When I go to Network and click to Open the desktop ( I'm on my laptop ) it asks for a user name and password. I enter my user name but I dont have a password set. It wont allow me to open it.
As far as the wireless, I have WEP enabled on the laptop but I dont need wireless network ( other than to connect to the router/modem for internet, which it already does ) as I can just plug into the network. Does this change anything? Also why is it only sharing the podcasts? This is both on the xbox and the laptop. They dont detect all the other music files.
Ok so I'm trying to add the printer to the laptop ( I shared it on the desktop ) and I get two options. Choose a local printer or add a network/wireless/bluetooth printer. The first option says that if I'm using a USB printer, the computer should automatically detect it, but it doesnt, and when I choose the second option, it doesnt detect it either.
As far as the wireless, I have WEP enabled on the laptop but I dont need wireless network ( other than to connect to the router/modem for internet, which it already does ) as I can just plug into the network. Does this change anything? Also why is it only sharing the podcasts? This is both on the xbox and the laptop. They dont detect all the other music files.
Ok so I'm trying to add the printer to the laptop ( I shared it on the desktop ) and I get two options. Choose a local printer or add a network/wireless/bluetooth printer. The first option says that if I'm using a USB printer, the computer should automatically detect it, but it doesnt, and when I choose the second option, it doesnt detect it either.
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- Location
- Forest Hills
your laptop wont see that shared printer because your desktop is blocking it.
in order to share resources as in a network, you should have at least 1 password enabled account on each computer. this is windows security safety protocol. here r a list of recommended settings for setuping up a home network.
-static ip on all pc/laptop
-create the same group name for all pc/laptop
-uncheck simple file sharing
-avoid 3rd party firewalls
-make sure password is set on the administrator account
in order to share resources as in a network, you should have at least 1 password enabled account on each computer. this is windows security safety protocol. here r a list of recommended settings for setuping up a home network.
-static ip on all pc/laptop
-create the same group name for all pc/laptop
-uncheck simple file sharing
-avoid 3rd party firewalls
-make sure password is set on the administrator account
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