Sharing files over wifi network?

[wedge22]

I need to know how to share files between my 2 PC's that are both on the same network. My setup is 1 pc with Vista Home Premium and 1 pc (media centre) with XP Pro, neither PC is hardwired into the Router. The router is plugged into the cable internet connection directly and then the 2 pc's are connected via WiFi. I have a D Link DI 524 Router, D Link G122 USB on the Vista PC and a D Link WUA 1340 USB on the Media centre.

[Agent]

Just run the network sharing wizard in the networking section. It will set it all up for you

[wedge22]

So are we just talking about the networking wizard in XP or in Vista too?

[Zak33]

Can't you just change the WORKGROUP/DOMAIN to the same name? Then share your SHARED folders by right clicking on them and choosing SHARE.

Then leave it for several minutes while it gets a life....XP is like that.

Right Click My Computer, left click Properties.
Computer Name tab at the top, and CHANGE.

[wedge22]

Ok I have both WORKGROUPS named WORKGROUP but still they are not finding each other. The PC's both have different names, not sure what else to try.

[Howard]

Windows Firewall turned off?

then just Start > Run and type \\computername\foldersharename or just \\computername\ to display list of shares

You can map drives too in Explorer, Tools > Map Network drive, choose a letter and then type the path as above

[wedge22]

My firewalls are on, that must be the issue, do they have to stay off permanently now?

[streetster]

yup

[charleski]

Um, no, you can keep Windows Firewall on, you just need to allow File Sharing to pass through it for the LAN connection. Instructions here.

[Pup]

If you are setting up for Vista PC's also, then this document has more info http://www.microsoft.com/technet/net.../vista_fp.mspx

The port lists are near the bottom.

[Agent]

There is no need to start messing with firewall settings or anything like that.

Goto Start -> My network places -> in the left hand plain click "Set up a home or small office network".
It will sort all the ports and settings out that are needed to do it on both machines

[Howard]

Or just turn the firewall off completely and make life simple, as it's useless if you're behind a NAT router

[wedge22]

I did as you suggested Agent but it would still not work, maybe its because I have Vista and XP.
both computers connect to the web via the Router so I guess the Windows firewall is pretty redundant and that it could just be turned off.

[Agent]

Are you sure you selected "turn file sharing on" in the wizard? It defaults to off.
Also make sure they are using the same workgroup and have different computer names.

At the end it will give you the option to make a network setup disk for other machines on the network. Did you do this?
Are you sure you have set a folder to be shared? If so, does it show in computer management -> Shared folders? (its in control pannel, then admin tools)

[wedge22]

I guess it was the disc section I did not complete, can I use a CD for that, no floppy on either PC.

[Agent]

Run it and see?
I've no idea