How do I connect a winXP with other computers on my network?

[Jubalek]

In my office there are nine computers. All of them are either win98 or win2k. We just got a new sony notebook with winxp os system. So far, you can see the computer on the network from the other computers but none of them can access the shared files. Also I cannot see any of the network computers from the winxp system. Does anyone know how I get the winxp on the network?

 

[TexDotCom]

First, some questions:

1) Are the computers using DHCP or do they have IP addresses set on them?
2) If the addresses are static, is the XP system on the same subnet and using a valid, unused IP address (i.e. 255.255.255.0 net mask and 172.16.100.25 IP address?
3) Is the XP system in the same WORKGROUP as the other machines (n/a if you're logging onto a Domain)?

 

[Jubalek]

Well,
1) They all have IP addresses
2) Yes it is on the same subnet
3) and it is in the same workgroup

 

[TexDotCom]

couple other things:

1) add "file and print sharing" to the WinXP machine if it is not already installed
2) can you ping the xp system from one of the other systems using the IP address, or vice versa?

 

[Slowlearner]

This must be the most common question asked in forum hosted by microsoft : microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web. One of their MVP's Steve Winograd has the answers. Do a search for his reponses.

You havent explained what kind of LAN set up you have - is it a peer to peer (file and printer sharing) or a client-server arangement?

For a peer to peer set up, you must make the Win XP pc adjust to the existing network. Disable the fire wall, change to simple file sharing, add Netbuei as a second protocol to all machines, but do NOT run XP's network setup wizard. Once you have the network running, fine tune for security and convenience.

 

[Jubalek]

Thanks everyone. I am going to try your suggestions

 

[Jubalek]

Originally posted by: Slowlearner
This must be the most common question asked in forum hosted by microsoft : microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web. One of their MVP's Steve Winograd has the answers. Do a search for his reponses.

You havent explained what kind of LAN set up you have - is it a peer to peer (file and printer sharing) or a client-server arangement?

For a peer to peer set up, you must make the Win XP pc adjust to the existing network. Disable the fire wall, change to simple file sharing, add Netbuei as a second protocol to all machines, but do NOT run XP's network setup wizard. Once you have the network running, fine tune for security and convenience.

Well the lady who is using this computer just told me that she ran the XP network setup wizard, two days ago, just before I looked at it. Could this be the problem and if so, how do I fix it?

 

[Jubalek]

Thanks everybody, I just got it to work. Thanks for all your help.