sharing files and devices

[keelerobert]

I have a small home network including a windows 2000 server, a windows 2000 client, an xp pro, an xp home edition, and two vistas. I have both ethernet and wireless conections to a linksys router. I also have a voip router, a cable modem, and two printers conected to the xp home and xp pro machines. Sometimes I am able to share files and printers but most of the time I am unable to see the other resources on my network. I am always able to see the windows 2000 server from all of my computers. How can I set up my network so that i can always share files and printers across my network?

 

[IllogicallyLogical]

Have you got all the computers in the same workgroup? This makes networking them much easier. Alternatively you could set up a domain from the Win 2k Server, but the XP Home and depending on the what versions of Vista you are using will not be able to join the domain. Check these links and out and see if they can get you sorted out.

- File and Printer Sharing in Windows Vista

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx

- XP Simple File Sharing

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

- XP File Sharing (Simple File Sharing Disabled)

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm

Joey
A+, Network+, MCP

 

[linney]

IllogicallyLogical" has given you good links which should get you going.

Just a couple of extras which might help a little.

Network Map in Windows Vista does not display computers that are running Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120#appliesto

Look at your Firewalling access preferences for your Network and make sure they are correct.

Rather than battling with half a dozen machines, start with a couple of machines and get them talking to each other successfully, then add machines one at a time and settle them down before adding another.

Look for errors in the Event Viewers. If you have further problems post any errors in detail, and any displayed screen messages too.