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"Simple question about networking"

Hi.

Picture the scenario.

4-way router connected downstairs with a broadband connection. Dad's PC is plugged into the router. My PC, which is upstairs, is also plugged into the router. My Dad has a printer connected to his PC.

What I want to do is set up a shared folder on both our PCs so that I can just drag and drop stuff in it, and he can drag it straight out (and vice versa). Also, I'm guessing that using a similar system (with the printer connected to the router) I'll be able to print to the downstairs printer using my PC.

Thoughts on how to do this? Must be easy, but then, I'm a moron.

As long as you run the network wizard on both computers, both computers should be able to 'see' each other, then on your computer its a simple case of clicking start and then there should be an icon in your start menu that says "Printers and faxes", click that. In the window that opens is a button that says "add printer", click that and that should be fine.

Of course your dads computer will have to be switched on so that the printer can be 'seen'.

You can make any folder you want available to share on the network by right clicking on the folder, then clicking properties, then clicking the sharing tab and ticking the share this folder box.

Simple :)

You do the same on the other PC, or I think the network wizard states you shove in the windows XP disc on the other PC and click "create home network"

Nope, can't get my tiny little head round it. I followed the little wizardy thing for my PC and set up a shared folder, but what do I do on my Dad's PC? Forget it, I'll get someone who knows what they're doing to sort it out when they come round :)

Yeah, I'm terrible with stuff like this. Awful. I can design a website or typeset you a magazine, but when it comes to things like changing the toner in a printer or setting up a network, I'm retarded.

Still not done yet, bet it doesn't work.

there ya go, and it was tested on monkeys, so you should be ok snuggly ;)

how can someone who moderated a chat forum and designed a lot of it be unable to network a printer?

*laughs into paper bag*

Mr Snuggly wrote:
> I'm a moron people, I need step by step instructions. Both machines
> are using Windows XP. Where is this home networking wizard magicry
> you're talking about?

Control Panel -> Network Connections -> "Set up a small home office or network"

He needs to share his printer, you do that by going on to his computer, make sure the 'file and printer sharing protocol' is installed (in network protocols). obviously this needs to be set up on yours too.

that's step one. if you bear with me I'll try and remember how the rest is done.

to share a directory, just go into windows explorer, right click the directory, and click sharing options. from there it's pretty self explanatory.

I'm a moron people, I need step by step instructions. Both machines are using Windows XP. Where is this home networking wizard magicry you're talking about?

The home networking wizard just gave me shared folders and printers without really having to do any complicated configuration.

Pretty good.

What operating systems are your two computers running?