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| Thread ID: 123582 | 2012-03-05 01:41:00 | Home Network Setup - How? Its driving me Bonkers... | sportsboy83 (16326) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 1263154 | 2012-03-05 01:41:00 | I'm trying to set up a home network - with a wireless router - 2 laptops access it wirelessly (using win7) and 1x PC access it wired (winxp) I'd like 2x Laptops, 1x PC to all see eachother, as well as share a printer, and a external HDD... Is there a way to make this work - so that the Printer is usable WITHOUT PC being on...as well as External HDD? I believe it can be done if u plug printer and HDD into router directly - but is that definitely possible? I've attempted to network the laptops to "see" eachother, as well as the printer- but I'm getting no where... Is there a perfect step by step guide that cant go wrong, to provide me with instructions to do this? Mr Google isnt exactly helping today! Thanks in advance.. |
sportsboy83 (16326) | ||
| 1263155 | 2012-03-05 01:48:00 | You would need a print server, if you want to print to a printer (If you want to do it with the computer off). If the USB on the router acts as a print server, it'll work. What's the USB port for on the router?? Depending on what its for, the hdd may or may not work. If you plug it into it. Only way to find out. Plug it in it'll work, or it wont. Does the router have 1 or more USB ports?? If you're using a hub. Both may not work. NOT all USB devices work with USB hubs Disable password protected sharing in Win7. Create and share a folder (not the whole hdd). In Win7 and XP. Give all of them the same workgroup name. Configure firewalls (if you're using another firewall) I could help you with teamviewer, if you want. Just put teamviewer on it. Then post the ID and password it gives you (since you cant PM till you get to 10 posts). Or wait until you get to 10 posts then send me a PM |
Speedy Gonzales (78) | ||
| 1263156 | 2012-03-05 01:53:00 | Print Server - Might be cheaper just to buy a wireless printer ($89 in some stores) and not sure what the USB port is for on the router mainly - but i have used it as a USB connection to a cold laptop that had no wireless capability... | sportsboy83 (16326) | ||
| 1263157 | 2012-03-05 01:56:00 | The printers, while some routers do have a port for a printer, they are often troublesome and can cause a massive headache to get working. Ideally you want a printer that is network capable, it will have a Ethernet port ( or wireless) and connect dirctly to the router like a networked device. The actual networking; Some simple basic steps. Make sure all PC's are on the same workgroup ( Name). XP, Instructions and Pictures here (www.bleepingcomputer.com) W7 - DONT use Homegroup, it wont work on XP, and is a PITA sometimes with W7 as well. Make sure the workgroup Name is the same as per the XP's Instructions with pictures (www.sevenforums.com) A video youmay be interested in, shows how to do it all on XP, Vista and W7 windows.microsoft.com ( ignore the section on XP regarding network setup wizard, do as instructed above) MAKE SURE in W7 , you disable password protected sharing, other wise you will be prompted for a user name and password. |
wainuitech (129) | ||
| 1263158 | 2012-03-05 02:59:00 | Our router has a USB but it's for a storage device, I have a small 4port switch with built in print server but it seems Linksys might not make it anymore as I tried finding one for a friend and could not, so your best bet is as others have said a wireless printer or network capable one otherwise one of the computers will always have to be on unless you have a file server which can be configured as a print server as well. It appears Dell might still have them see here (accessories.us.dell.com) |
gary67 (56) | ||
| 1263159 | 2012-03-05 03:57:00 | I think i might just use a PC as a always on when i need to print for now...and then invest into wireless etc later on :) as not really wanting to muck around with too complicated or expensive stuff atm lol.. Will use the instructions on here for the network and see how i go :) |
sportsboy83 (16326) | ||
| 1263160 | 2012-03-05 04:06:00 | I couldn't get PC's connected wirelessly to access the Wired ones when I set my network up, fixed it by wiring everything (internet worked for everything). Still think it was the router I had at the time causing it (WAG160N which has since died). I mention in case you get the same problem, google found me others with the same problem but no solutions. I have a suspicion it would work if I tried it now, my android phone connected wirelessly can control my Onkyo AMP which is wired over the network (with a free app, pretty cool). Of course there is no windows networking to get in the way with those 2 devices :) |
dugimodo (138) | ||
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