How to setup WLAN

[Cyanide911]

So, this is the setup currently:

(http://i37.tinypic.com/2i87l8o.jpg)

I cant share files/I don't know how to share files between these three(Desktop and 2 laptops)(mainly I want file sharing and printer sharing between my desktop and the laptops). Please help.

EDIT: I'd like to clarify, that all three computers are able to access internet simoultaniously, connected to that same modem in the image.

[Cyanide911]

Helooo?

[I8PP]

Since no details have been provided, i shall assume this is an XP Network:

Share your printer: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/n...cutt_july2.mspx

Share your files: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307874

[+BudMan MVC]

Also check that you can ping laptop 1 from laptop 2.. Have you configured your firewalls for file sharing?

Many a wireless router has what could be called AP or Client isolation, this keeps wireless clients from talking to each other as a security feature. If you want to share files between wireless clients this will have to be turned off.

[Cyanide911]

See, I can ping allright. AP is off. I dont know how to configure my firewall for file sharing, but I've posted this question on their forums.

[+BudMan MVC]

Are you using some 3rd party firewall, or the builtin one? When you say "their" forums sounds like your using a 3rd party firewall.

The built in one should of allowed for for file and print sharing when you enabled it. I find it strange that your firewall allows icmp (ping) but it is blocking file and print sharing?

On a private network controlled by you, with only your machines on it behind a nat router -- the usefulness of a software firewall could be debated. Why don't you atleast turn it off for testing.

[Cyanide911]

Yes, I'm using ESET Smart Security. So you mean I should switch ESS off, then I should test. Test how and what?

[Cyanide911]

Strange, I opened My network places on my desktop, and I saw 'Shared Documents on ABC'(ABC=my laptop), I opened a folder, it opened, but then it gave me a 'Location is Invalid' error, and 'Shared Documents on ABC' is no longer in My Network places

[_bobcat_ Veteran]

Test by looking to see if you can share the files and printer.... Do you know what "Network places" is?

Go to "My Network Places" and then follow the wizard to "Set up a home or small office network" if you haven't already.

[Chemaz]

with eset smart security, switch to standard mode, then under the setup tab, click on temporarily disable firewall, and then reset then disconnect from the network and reconnect (do this to all comps) and then see if they can see each other. If they can then u know its ESS and so you will have to configure it

[Cyanide911]

I'm trying that right now, but, what about my previous post?

Strange, I opened My network places on my desktop, and I saw 'Shared Documents on ABC'(ABC=my laptop), I opened a folder, it opened, but then it gave me a 'Location is Invalid' error, and 'Shared Documents on ABC' is no longer in My Network places

[Cyanide911]

WIN!

I set them both up in the same workgroup and it worked! Now I can share files and printer(though I havn't tried printer).

Now, If I switch the same game on in both, then go to LAN, then will my Laptop be visible? Will I be able to play?

[Cyanide911]

[[cant we edit our posts?i cant see the edit button]]

[+BudMan MVC]

What workgroups the machines are in have NOTHING to do with filesharing, or seeing machines on the network with tcp/ip -- NOTHING! You seem to have a bit of browsing issue is all.

What workgroup machines are in only determine where it will be in the browselist, and also could determine if it should be a browsemaster, etc. since every workgroup will need one.. So if you have multiple machines in different workgroups - then atleast 1 machine in each group would have to maintain the browselist for the that workgroup.

Sounds like you were having a caching issue on which machine was the browsemaster.

Machine dropping on and off the network will only cause you more grief when trying to browse.

Browsing is pretty much a waste of time anyway -- just hit the machine directly by its name, ie \\computername but if you all gunho about browsing -- then I would suggest you force your wired PC to be the browsemaster and sure put them all in the same workgroup. But is not a requirement for sharing files or even browsing.

As to editing your posts, there is a time limit -- once that has passed, then the edit button will not be available.

[Cyanide911]

Oh k. I'm not getting the disconnecting issue anymore, everything's smooth. Now, If I switch a same game on in both, then go to the LAP option in-game, then will my Laptop be visible? Will I be able to play?

[I8PP]

Why not try it and get back to us with the results. If no one can see the host, turn off firewall or make a rule to accept connections.