Setting up a home network

Where can i find detailed instructions on how to set up a home network from start to finish? I have a network set up and tried to add another computer to the network over this past weekend and was unsuccessful. On the added computer I am able to see the other 2 computers in the workgroup but the other 2 are not able to see the added computer. Once i can figure that out i need to find out how i can get the added computer to see the shared folders that are shared between the other 2 computers.

If anyone can provide any insite I would be very greatful.

Thanks

ok i struggled setting up my 3 pc network,

router, or switch?
firewalls?

provide all info you can diagram would be cool as well :)

I do have a broadband router connecting all of the computers.

No firewalls.

Is there anything else that you need?

Make sure the workgroup name on all of the computers are the same. That seems to be the problem most of the times when people describe what you just did, or, at least in my limited experience.

You can still use the other computers if you don't have the same workgroup name, but then you'd have to use their IP address.

What OS is on each of them?
It sounds like a FireWall issue.

kasracer- what makes you say that. computers 1 & 2 have been had their workgroup function for a while, several good months. They see eachother and share files back and forth, but when i add computer 3 thats where it goofs up. 1 and 2 still see each other and it is business as usual, while 3 sees both 1 &2, if the workgroup was wrong would 3 be able to see anyone? That is why I am confused why 3 can see 1&2 but 1&2 cant see 3.

I am running windows XP on all of them. Does it matter if it is Home or Pro edition? I believe they are all Pro.

I am not running any special firewall, maybe the windows firewall but i believe that is disabled.

Thanks For your help

You have to have File Sharing enabled. Try Start->Run \\IPof#3
from another machine. You will get either a list of printers and shared folders, or you will get a log-on prompt. To get around it, just map a drive, and set it to re-connect automatically at logon.

I have an account on my W2K Workstation for my laptop. I can print from the wireless laptop to the printer, but only after logging on to the Workstation. Windows will supply your username/password if they are the same, but I have account named LAPTOP that I use after I reboot, and before I print. Nothing mapped. I also have a shortcut to it. When I click on it, I see the drives, or the logon prompt. I get no errors if I try to print before I log on. It just does nothing...

The easiest thing todo is use the Home Networking Setup Wizard that is built into Windows XP, that's what it's designed for, give it a whirl, it's very easy to use and should have you up and running in no time. Should do most of the config for you.

dglienna - How do i map over a drive? I got a login prompt. after doing \\IP.

Ideas Man - I did use the Wizard but that didnt seem to help.

Right click on the dirive that you want to map, then pick a drive letter to map it to, and click the checkbox to re-connect.

http://www.geekgirls.com/windowsxp_home_network.htm

Try & follow the steps in that link above first, & let me/us know if you get stuck or if this doesn't work.

di you solve it? sorry i havent had chance to reply to this thread

Hey check it out. Kasracer is back, unbanned.