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This guide will teach you how setup your PCs for file-sharing and printer access over the network. Save money and space by sharing your files and printers!
Lucky for you, Microsoft Windows XP makes this painfully easy for all of us. To begin, it is generally recommended that you have all your computers running Windows XP. They can be different versions (Home, Pro, Media Center Edition), but all should be Windows XP. You CAN network Windows XP and Windows 98, 2000, ME, and other Windows versions together but that won't be included in this guide. I will assume that you have all your computers connected together to a router or switch or other networking device. The first step is to make sure all your computers are on the same workgroup! You can do this by right-clicking "My Computer" and then click on "Properties". In the window that comes up click on the "Computer Name" TAB and you will see your workgroup name where it says "Workgroup:" If you need to change your computer to another workgroup name (I recommend that you use a more personalized one like 'BOB HOME'), you simply have to click the "Network ID" BUTTON to do so. Make sure all your computers are on the EXACT SAME WORKGROUP! Try to avoid using spaces and pick a short and simple name! Click on "Apply", and then "OK". You will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Ok, the next step is to make sure your computers can see the other computers. You can do this by going to Start > My Network Places. On the left side, click on "View workgroup computers". From here, you should be able to see all the computers in the same workgroup. Double-click on the computers and you will be able to see all the folders and devices that the computer is sharing. At the moment, you might only see the "Shared Documents" folder being shared on that computer. To share files and printers, you need to go to "My Network Places" and on the left side, click on "Set up a home or small office network" and follow through and make sure you turn on file and printer sharing. Restart your computer when asked. Now to share a folder, you simply have to right-click a folder and click on "Sharing". Decide on the Share name, and the permission rights, then click "Apply" and "Ok". To share a printer, first get on the computer with the computer directly attached. Now go to Control Panel > Printers and Faxes. Then right-click the printer you want to share and click on "Sharing". Share the printer and then click "Apply" and "Ok." Now restart that computer. Now to add the printer as an option to other computers, you simply go to another computer and navigate to Control Panel > Printers and Faxes and on the left side, click on Add Printer. In the wizard, you want to select "Add Network Printer" and select "Browse for a printer" select the computer that the printer is connected to and select the printer from there. The rest should be obvious. Test everything to make sure it works and... CONGRATULATIONS! You have successfully share your files and printers! <> I hope that this guide is truly helpful and makes things easier for you. I left out several details to make things less confusing for you. You are more than welcome to ask questions on the RFUZ FORUM and I wish you the best of luck.
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