Setting up a computer network

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:42 pm

Man, sometimes I feel I know absolutely nothing. And especially nothing about computers, even though I work with them all the time.

I want to set up a network between my desktop and my laptop. I have a USB ADSL modem connnected to my desktop, it's my link to the internet. All by itself it works perfectly.

I bought a router to connect the two machines. I know a router is supposed to take care of the internet connection, but I don't have the correct modem, so that's that. All I want is to have both computers be able to share files, and the laptop to use the internet connection from the desktop.

Both machines run Windows XP. Both are completely up to date, service pack wise etc.

I tried allocating IP's automatically, and I tried setting them manually based on the info in the help text of the router. No luck. Neither computer can see the other one.

Any help please? Denyer or Karl? Impactor?

Thanks a lot, as always!

Post by **Kaylee** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:53 pm

The router should automatically assign IP addresses (check your router documentation).

Start the network setup wizard and use that to let XP configure workgroup, internet sharing and so on. If you need more help it could prove tricky as I'm assuming your using XP home, which hides most of the useful settings

Impactor returns 2.0 · Post by **Impactor returns 2.0** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:57 pm

Have you tried using windows network setup?

you can ask it to make a home network. it will find the machines and you can say if the machines connect to the internet through the router or through each other.

your share folders will automatically allow for sharing of documents.

Dont be alarmed to find that it wont work to begin with, you must always restart your comps for it to take effect.

Oh and on the last part of the setup, where it asks if you want to makea disc or run the setup on other machines ignore it.

Eline · Post by **Eline** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 6:40 am

My father has done it. Try calling or emailing him.

(though remember that it's his birthday today, Monday)

Obfleur · Post by **Obfleur** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 7:00 am

As the man has already said; I think the router should assign IP adresses for the machines.

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 7:51 am

Thanks guys. I'll try again today.

And happy birthday, Eline, hope your father has a good one!

Your brother's birthday is next week then right?

Eline · Post by **Eline** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 8:06 am

Yup, Monday the 18th. He'll be turning 22 already!

But the party is in early May, because of his exams.

Good luck with the network!