Making my computer a server on a network

[AzuthZero]

Hello all. I was wondering if there was any way to make a folder or drive on my computer (Windows XP Pro) act as a server on my college's network. I'm looking for a way to easily transfer files, and this seems to be the one that would make the most sense to me. I just one to be able to put stuff on it from other computers and vice versa.

Anyway, here's how I tried to do it. I made a folder, then under sharing and security, checked 'share this folder' and checked 'allow other users to change files'. Not sure about exact wording, but you get my meaning. After doing this, I went to the computer lab just outside my dorm, to see if it would work, and tried to access it, but I couldn't. Actually, I wasn't really sure HOW to access it. I tried going to 'my network places', but there're a whole bunch of networks there, and I couldn't figure out which one I was on.

So is there a way to find the complete path to my shared folder? Or if I'm doing it wrong, if someone can help me set it up as a server, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks
Azuth

 

[ColdZero]

How can I resist helping a fellow Zero : )

First, assuming your dorm doesn't have some type of firewall seperating it from the rest of the campus, you can access your computer from anywhere.

An easier way to access your computer directly is to use something called a UNC path.

First you are going to need the dns name of your computer (if your college gives one), or its IP address. The dns name is just like typing in www.anandtech.com, it really just means an IP address, but is easier to remember.

We'll assume your computer's dns name is AzuthZeroComp.mycollege.edu and its IP is 123.45.67.89

On your lab computer go to Start->Run

The type in either:

\\azuthzerocomp.mycollege.edu (If your college gives out DNS names for student computers)

OR

\\123.45.67.89 (Will work either way)

You can then access your computer's shared folder.

 

[HKSturboKID]

or...once you know your hostname of your pc, click on network ny network place and look for your hostname and click on it, it will show you the shares that you have.

 

[ColdZero]

That won't work unless they are both using the same Domain Master Browser or registered with the same set of WINS servers. Or if they are both part of an AD domain, but at that point its just DNS anyways.

 

[AzuthZero]

Thanks ColdZero, I'm gonna give that a try tonight

I hope it works

Peace

 

[AzuthZero]

Ok, I tried out what you said ColdZero, but I couldn't get it to work. I can ping my computer from the lab, and I did a tracert, and it only goes from the lab computer to a router/switch to my computer, but it said it couldn't find my computer. However, others people in my residence hall can access my stuff.....

I'm thinking there's got to be a way to do this...... It'd just be so handy, instead of using media to transfer stuff. Oh, I tried to ftp through cmd prompt, and it would connect, then it said 'connection closed by remote host' or something along those lines.... Do I have to do something to my computer besides sharing a folder?

Thanks again
Azuth

EDIT: One other thing I forgot to mention. When I do a net view in cmd, it lists everyone's computer on my residence hall's floor, but nothing beyond that. Does it not see anything else on the network?

 

[ColdZero]

Its wierd that you can ping your computer but you can't do a traceroute. They're basically the same thing. Are you sure you have the right IP? And are you running a firewall or anything like that?

It doesn't see the other things on your network, but that doesn't mean you can't get to them, you have to specifically address them unless you're all using WINS, AD or DNS.

People on your floor can access eachothers stuff, but they can't get to yours...can you get to anybody else locally?

 

[AzuthZero]

lol, my bad, I typed that last post around 5-6 in the morning, so my wording was a little iffy. I CAN do a tracert, and the only thing between my computer and the lab computers is a switch/router. I'm not running anyway firewalls or anything like that, just Norton.

And everyone on our floor can access each other's stuff. (ie: I can access other people's shared stuff, and they can get to mine)

Sorry about my wording being so confusing..... I was tired ^_^

 

[ColdZero]

If its just a plain jane router or switch then you should have no problem accessing your computer from anywhere else.

 

[Sianath]

Originally posted by: ColdZero
That won't work unless they are both using the same Domain Master Browser or registered with the same set of WINS servers. Or if they are both part of an AD domain, but at that point its just DNS anyways.

Actually, browsing has nothing to do with DNS at all. It's purely a broadcast/WINS implimentation. Assuming the WINS servers are configured correctly, you can browse anywhere you like (it's just slow as hell in a large multi-domain environment).