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Networking computers

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KNSinatra

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Does anyone know how to network computers? I currently have our two computers connected through a router so that they can share the cable connection. But shouldn't this allow me to access each computer from the other? I don't know how to get them to show up in eachother's network neighborhoods... Does this require some sort of software, perhaps? If so, what kind, and where can I get it? I'd appreciate *any* help you could offer, guys. Thanks so much!
kissy.gif


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monsieurjohn: we have 2 yaks on campus
KNSinatra: you lie.
monsieurjohn: no i don't. i don't know what they're doing here, but they're real.

En fuego, bebe.
 
Assuming that you're using Windows, you need to check a few things.


  1. Make sure they both have networking protocols installed, and are using the same protocol to talk to each other. Since you have a router hooked up, you should simply be able to install TCP/IP (which you should have installed already), and set up DHCP on the PCs. That will take care of most of the required protocol settings for you.
    The systems MUST NOT have the same IP address.
  2. Make sure both machines are in the same workgroup. You can set that up under the machine identification tab. Also make sure that the machines have unique machine names. They cannot have the same machine name.
  3. Make sure the machines have file and printer sharing turned on. Unfortunately, that opens up some security issues, but if you want to share files or printers between the machines on the network, it's a necessity.
    [/list=a]

    There should've been detailed instructions that came with your router on setting up your network to use the router.

    I would say that chances are that your protocol settings are correct, since it would seem that the machines are able to get out onto the Internet.
    I've noticed that usually, if File and Printer Sharing are not turned on, the machine will not show up in Network Neighborhood. Your issue may be as simple as turning it on and rebooting.

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    "It's always funny until someone gets hurt, and then it's just hilarious."
 
My guess would be it's in the Network settings, KNS... *looks*

Just talked to my BF, and he said unless you're using Windows 2000, it should be the first thing that comes up when you go to Settings/Control Panel/Network.
supergrin.gif


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Love will tear us apart....again
 
KNS> First thing you need to let us know is what OS you are using.

If you're using Win2k, easiest way to get to it is to go to the Desktop, right-click on My Computer, select Properties, then click on the Network Identification tab.

If it's WinNT, Desktop... right click on Network Neighborhood, select properties, and click on the Identification tab.
Win9x should be pretty similar to NT.


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"It's always funny until someone gets hurt, and then it's just hilarious."
 
Originally posted by Diesel Dan:
[*]Make sure they both have networking protocols installed, and are using the same protocol to talk to each other. Since you have a router hooked up, you should simply be able to install TCP/IP (which you should have installed already), and set up DHCP on the PCs. That will take care of most of the required protocol settings for you.
The systems MUST NOT have the same IP address.
Click to expand...

DD, could you explain this part a little more (I apologize for my computer inept-ness). I have a feeling the problem lies in this step. The two computers are using two different types of ethernet cards, and thus they have (as of right now) different types of TCP/IPs listed. How do I get this to be uniform. Also, I'm not sure if they share an IP address...but if they do, how do I get a new on for one of them? Thanks SO much...


oh, and I'm using Win98
------------------
monsieurjohn: we have 2 yaks on campus
KNSinatra: you lie.
monsieurjohn: no i don't. i don't know what they're doing here, but they're real.

En fuego, bebe.

<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by KNSinatra on March 11, 2001 at 03:17 PM]</font>
 
wow, everything appears to be working all of a sudden. Maybe it *was* something as simple as a reboot -- after I switched the workgroup name on my machine. Thank you so much for everything, everyone!

edit/ the only problem now, seems to be setting up file sharing on one of the computers. is there a way to have everything shared?

------------------
monsieurjohn: we have 2 yaks on campus
KNSinatra: you lie.
monsieurjohn: no i don't. i don't know what they're doing here, but they're real.

En fuego, bebe.

<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by KNSinatra on March 11, 2001 at 03:22 PM]</font>
 
It's doubtful that they have different types of TCP/IP installed, since if you're using Win98, the only TCP/IP protocol that can be installed is Microsoft's.

Easiest way to check to see what a machine's IP address is would be to go to Start&gt;Run and type in (without quotes) 'winipcfg'.
Do this on each machine. If you find that you do have an IP address conflict, you can remedy this by going into Control Panel&gt;Network.

Select the item that reads "TCP/IP-&gt;your_ethernet-controller_name", and click on the Properties button.

You can then manually set an IP address, or if your router will allow you let it administer DHCP, set the TCP/IP properties for your NIC to get one assigned automatically. (Make sure you do this on BOTH machines)

Using DHCP is a good way to make sure that you'll never have an IP conflict, and it makes changing configuration a lot easier.

Hopefully, we'll iron this out an item at a time.

On a side note, you shouldn't feel the need to apologize for what you call your "computer inept-ness". You've managed to trouble-shoot a good portion of this yourself where most people would thrown up their hands in disgust already.

This is a by-product of the average joe having multiple computers in their homes. They want to have everything connected, but networking is a very complex topic to cover, and most people are in way over their heads as soon as they get a 2nd box running in their homes.
You're hardly inept. In fact, you're to be commended for making it this far, and knowing what to look for.

We'll get you through this, and maybe you, and others, will have learned something in the end.
smile.gif



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"It's always funny until someone gets hurt, and then it's just hilarious."
 
Thanks, Dan
smile.gif


Well, I assumed the problems was fixed, as the computer prone to giving me more problems than the other was actually able to access files on the other machine.

Now, though, I went to the less difficult computer (my computer), and when I tried to click on "entire network" in network neighborhood, it says "unable to browse network" with a big warning thing.

Now that I think about it, I dont think I actually had to click on "entire network" on the other machine...my computer was listed as an icon next to that globe-entire network icon.

Any ideas about what I should do now?

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monsieurjohn: we have 2 yaks on campus
KNSinatra: you lie.
monsieurjohn: no i don't. i don't know what they're doing here, but they're real.

En fuego, bebe.
 
Well, I don't know what you changed, so I don't know what's wrong.

Just guessing, but did you replicate the changes onto the other machine?
Did you enable file and printer sharing on the other machine?

Are both machines set with different TCP/IP addresses, but on the same Subnet Mask?


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"It's always funny until someone gets hurt, and then it's just hilarious."
 
Finally, up and running smoothly
smile.gif
Never could have done it without you, Dan -- thanks!

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monsieurjohn: we have 2 yaks on campus
KNSinatra: you lie.
monsieurjohn: no i don't. i don't know what they're doing here, but they're real.

En fuego, bebe.
 
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