Microsoft XP vs Windows 2000 Networking 1

[bpatters69]

Hi,

I have a desktop PC running Win XP and a work computer running 2000. The desktop is set up in a domain and the work PC is set up in a domain at work. Is there an easy way to network the two machines together? Would I create a different profile on the work PC so that it is in the same workgroup as my home PC?

My network set up is a Wirespeed DSL modem connected to a Netgear Wireless Router. All pcs are connected to the router via an ethernet cable.

My goal is to keep the network as simple as possible. I do not want to have to make changes to my work PC as I switch from the home network back to the work network. I would like to share an ethernet printer and files between the work and home PC.

Thanks, Bill

Bill Patterson
Florida

 

[bcastner]

Correct me if I am wrong, but:

At Home you have a desktop PC running XP. It is in a Workgroup; you bring a different PC set as a Domain member between Work and Home.

Please do not make changes to your Work PC.

1. On your Work PC, use UNC references to the Home PC resources:

. (Do not overlap drive references used at work)

Start, Run, CMD

net use k: \\my_home-PC\share_name_for drive_C
exit

Start, Printers and Faxes, Add Printer, Browse, identify your Home shared printers under their Workgroup/Computername, and add them as persistent connections.

 

[bpatters69]

Bcastner,

Thanks for the tip. To answer your question, "yes" my home computer is in a workgroup an "yes" my work pc is part of a domain at work.

I also would request more information on some statements in your post. Please see below:

1. On your Work PC, use UNC references to the Home PC resources:

Question: What is "UNC" ? Universal name conventions?


net use k: \\my_home-PC\share_name_for drive_C
exit

Question: I assume "net use k" is a command. Does "k" have any signifigance?

Thanks again, Bill

Bill Patterson
Florida

 

[bpatters69]

Sorry to be basic but the commands would be:

net use k: \\Patterson\Pattshare
exit

If my home network workgroup was named "workgroup"
If my home PC is named Patterson
If the shared folder on my C: drive is named Pattshare

Right?


Bill Patterson
Florida

 

[bcastner]

Some things that may help:

1. Simplify with batch files using Netsh.exe the settings between Work and Home:

http://is-it-true.org/nt/nt2000/utips/utips46.shtml

2. Direct answer to your questions:

. At work type:

Start, Run, CMD

Net use

Note the drive letters assigned by your Work setting. It is easiest if you use something other than what is assigned;

"k" was a guess.

. At Home, you can use the fact that XP will "remember" connections.

Lets assume at your Home location your desktop computer is called "Home_Desktop", and it has the 'Guest' account enabled, and is sharing all of Drive C as Home_C. And drive letter "K" is not used at work

Start, Run, CMD

net use K: \\Home_Desktop\Home_C
exit

From now one Drive K when you are at home is your desktop c: drive.

You can "browse" for the printer, remember to enter for the browse search \\Home_Desktop and it will find the printer(s) being shared.

See the following notes:

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/filesharing.htm