File Sharing with Home Network

[The Hobo]

I have a wireless network setup using a router, and now I want to setup file sharing between the two computers. One is running 98, the other XP. On the XP one, I selected a folder to share it...now how do I get the 98 machine to be able to see it?

[Juan Carlos Rey]

Did you realize this is post Nr 300000?

[dglienna]

create an account on the xp machine for use in the other machine, then on the 98 machine, open the xp machine, either from network neighborhood ( if you can see it) or else by IP address of xp machine. You should get a logon screen. Enter the username and password and you should see the c: drive.
There should be a SHARED DOCUMENTS folder, and the name of the folder that you have selected to share. It will be notated as SHARED with the little blue hand on the folder.
I did the same thing to get XP to see W2K workstation.
I mapped the drive to simplify things, but even after enabling RECONNECT AT LOGON, it doesn't re-open. I have to logon (by selecting W in order to print to the printer there.
I print to it from the wireless laptop accross the room.

Hope it helps. Post back if it doesn't work. There may be issues with W98.

[plenderj]

Windows 98 will not show a username field for user authentication. To enable sharing between a 9x/ME machine and an NT based machine you need to create a user account on the NT machine that is the same name as the logged-on user on the 9x machine.

So if the 9x machine logs on as Jamie Plenderleith, then on the NT machine, create an account called Jamie Plenderleith. Apply a password to this account if the 9x machine logs on with one.


Windows 9x can only provide the current username as the username for authentication - so that's why its a little awkward

[Dave Sell]

Actually you don't need to go making accounts and stuff.

As long as they both belong to the same Workgroup and both have file and print sharing turned on, and both are using appropriate networking protocols, then one will be able to see the other in the network neighborhood and one will not.

I dont remember which, sorry.

If memory serves, from the Win98 machine, do a Start->Run \\WinXPComputerName

and the XP shares should open up. I just got done doing this 2 weeks ago.

[plenderj]

That will only work under the following conditions:

For Windows 98 to access Windows XP:
Windows XP must have Simply File Sharing turned on.

For windows XP to access Windows 98:
Windows 98 must have share level access turned on.

[Dave Sell]

Originally posted by plenderj
For Windows 98 to access Windows XP:
Windows XP must have Simply File Sharing turned on.

I'm new to XP, but I didnt see any other kind of File sharing. Where would I swith between Simple File Sharing, and something else?

[plenderj]

If you go into windows explorer or my computer, and then select Tools > Folder Options > View Tab - the simple file sharing option is at the bottom of the list...

[Dave Sell]

So THAT's why my 98 box could see my XP box. What is the technical difference between simple file sharing and non-simple?

[plenderj]

Enormous difference actually. Using normal file sharing, i.e. not simple file sharing, one can specify which user accounts can access what folders or files with what access, or what users cannot access certain things etc.

[ducky]

I also believe this is one of the main differences in the XP Home vs. Pro version. In Pro you have the choice of enabling simple file sharing, where as Home is locked into simple file sharing only. So for Home users it seems most similar to the old 95/98 file sharing days, not dealing with accounts and all.

[dglienna]

i have XP Home on the laptop.

[Dave Sell]

It's true - I set up 1 PC with Home and 1 PC with PRO and the 98 box behaved the same for each.

[papacorn]

The NETBEUI protocol helps broadcast that another computer is on the network and availible for sharing. XP* does not install it stock, you need to put in your XP CD and drill down into the ValueAdd folder untill you find the NETBEUI folder then follow the instructions. [NETBEUI.TXT].. This works well with smaller networks where broadcasting over the wire wont slow transmission down.

[dglienna]

but netbeui is *bad* from what I read. I just don't remember the specifics.

[Ideas Man]

I wouldn't waste time with NetBEUI. Use the ones that come with Windows for ease.

[Dave Sell]

Originally posted by dglienna
but netbeui is *bad* from what I read. I just don't remember the specifics.

It's not BAD, its just LOUD. As papacorn said, it's fine for very small networks (< 10 nodes).