Help networking for beginner...

So I have a PC (Vista) and a laptop (XP). They are linked through a simple
hub for now and they both have access to the internet. I bought a wireless
router but when I try to install it, it tells me that I don't have a network
?!? I am trying to set up a network as a first step but no matter what I do,
I can't see the laptop on my PC and vice versa.

They have both same workgroup name and file sharing is enabled. When I
"Ping" the IP address of the other computer, I get a response. What can't I
see the computers in the network?!? Thanks.

So1805 wrote:
> So I have a PC (Vista) and a laptop (XP). They are linked through a simple
> hub for now and they both have access to the internet. I bought a wireless
> router but when I try to install it, it tells me that I don't have a network
> ?!? I am trying to set up a network as a first step but no matter what I do,
> I can't see the laptop on my PC and vice versa.
>
> They have both same workgroup name and file sharing is enabled. When I
> "Ping" the IP address of the other computer, I get a response. What can't I
> see the computers in the network?!? Thanks.

This doesn't quite make sense. I'm not sure how you're setting up the
wireless router. Basic instructions (and lose the hub):

1. Assuming you have broadband, connect one of your computers directly
to the cable/DSL modem with an ethernet cable. Check to make sure you
have Internet access.

2. The router will have come with an installation cd. Put it in the
computer (which is attached to the modem) and follow the instructions.
If you have DSL you will need to know your DSL username and password.

3. Now you should have cable/DSL modem --> router --> ethernet cable to
computer.

4. On the router, set wireless configuration to the highest security
your laptop will do, hopefully WPA2. Change the SSID to something you'll
recognize (don't leave it at the default). Now your laptop should see
the wireless router - enter the encryption key and make sure you're online.

5. Look at these instructions for file/printer sharing in Vista:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/net.../vista_fp.mspx

6. For XP, here are basic standard instructions:

Run the Network Setup Wizard, making sure to enable File & Printer
Sharing, and reboot. The only "gotcha" is that this will turn on the
XPSP2 Windows Firewall. If you aren't running a third-party firewall or
have an antivirus with "Internet Worm Protection" (like Norton 2005/06)
which acts as a firewall, then you're fine. If you have third-party
firewall software, configure it to allow the Local Area Network traffic
as trusted. I usually do this with my firewalls with an IP range. Ex.
would be 192.168.1.0-192.168.1.254. Obviously you would substitute your
correct subnet.

If one or more of the computers is XP Pro or Media Center:

a. If you need Pro's ability to set fine-grained permissions, turn off
Simple File Sharing (Folder Options>View tab) and create identical user
accounts/passwords on all computers.

b. If you don't care about using Pro's advanced features, leave the
Simple File Sharing enabled.

Simple File Sharing means that Guest (network) is enabled. This means
that anyone without a user account on the target system can use its
resources. This is a security hole but only you can decide if it matters
in your situation.

Then create shares as desired. XP Home does not permit sharing of users'
home directories (My Documents) or Program Files, but you can share
folders inside those directories. A better choice is to simply use the
Shared Documents folder.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User