Re: wireless network..but Printer is not sharing nor can create workgroup

From: Bruce Sanderson (Bruce.Sanderson_at_junk.junk)
Date: 07/20/04


Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2004 13:39:58 -0700

You create a Workgroup merely by having at least one computer with the
Workgroup name you want - so you've done that.

However, something is blocking the communication between the computers.
This could be all kinds of things, but I suggest checking:

1. if you have the XP Internet Connection Firewall turned on on either
computer, you might want to turn that off, at least temporarily - your
wireless router probably has a built in firewall that will be adequate, at
least while you're testing (if you're concerned, disconnect the DSL modem
temporarily). Start, Control Panel, Network Connections, right click on
your wireless connection, select Properties, select the Advanced tab, remove
the check mark from Internet Connection Firewall.

2. make sure that both computers have the Client for Microsoft Networks and
File and Print Sharing installed and enabled for the wireless connection.
Start, Control Panel, Network Connections, right click the wireless
connection, select Properties. On the General tab, make sure you have the
wireless adapter selected, then check that Client for Microsoft Networks and
File and Print Sharing appear in the list have check marks.

3. check that both computers are on the same IP subnet. Open a Command
Prompt window (Start, Run, key cmd, press Enter) and key the command
ipconfig /all (press Enter). The SubNet Mask value should be the same on
both computers (e.g. 255.255.255.0). The network part of the IP Address
needs to be the same (e.g. 192.168.1.x). Also, the computers should be in
the same subnet that the router's LAN connection is in. You should be able
to check that with the router's configuration tool; normally, this IP
address will show up as the "Default Gateway" on the computers. I suggest
configuring the computers to get and IP address automatically - most (home)
routers have a built in DHCP server that will send the required IP
configuration to the computer when XP starts; this will eliminate the need
for any manual IP configuration settings on your computers.

4. check that there is IP communication between the computers. Open a
Command Prompt and key "ping" followed by a space followed by the IP address
of the other computer. You should get 4 lines indicating how long it took
for the reply to come back from the other computer (usually a few
milliseconds).

5. check that there is name resolution happening - if all of the above
checks out, name resosolution should be automatic. You can test if by using
the ping command (as in 4) but using the Computer Name of the other computer
instead of its IP address (e.g. ping pc2).

6. On one computer (e.g. PC1), add a share to a folder (right click on the
folder, select Sharing). On the other computer (e.g. PC2), click Start, Run
and key \\ followed by the Computer Name of the first computer (e.g. \\PC1).
You should then get either a prompt for username and password or a Windows
Explorer window showing the objects that are shared on the first computer,
including the share you created and any shared printers. If you get a
prompt for a username and password, key whatever username and password you
use to logon locally at the other computer. If your user accounts have
blank (empty) passwords, you won't be able to use those user accounts for
network access (there's a bypass for this, if you need it, let me know).

-- 
Bruce Sanderson MVP
It's perfectly useless to know the right answer to the wrong question.
"Raj" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0a0d01c46e70$9202dc30$a501280a@phx.gbl...
> I can not seem to find any help for this "common"
> questions.
>
> I have XP pcs.   PC1 and PC2.
>
> PC1 has the LOCAL printer  ( HPLaser )
>
> Both PC's share's DSL via wireless router.
> BUt ,
> i am not able to create iether a WOrkgroup. or share the
> printer via Wireless network.
>
> PC2 does not see the PC1.
>
> As of now.
>
> in both PC i have tried to make a WORKGROUP == HOUSE
> and Printer name == HPLaser   with Shared option.
>
> HOw can i Get the PC2 to use the PC1's printer via
> wireless network...or better yet...how do i create a
> workgroup between these 2 computers.?
>
> any help would be much appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>
> Raj
>


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