file/printer sharing

[97tbird]

Now that I've got my wireless home network setup, I want to learn how we can transfer files/share them between the desktop and the laptops, and between the 2 laptops, and also print remotely...is there a windows xp utility that sets that up? which one is it? in xp help there's alot "about" file sharing betw computers, but not really how to set it up.

our network: DSL modem--> router-->desktop (hard wired); then we have 2 laptops, which receive signal from router; the printer is currently connected to the desktop.

..and do I need a print server to be able to print remotely?
Thanks.

 

[klaymon]

To share a folder in XP:

Find the folder you want to share (My Documents for example) and right-click on it. Select "Properties". Click on the Sharing tab. Click "Share This Folder on the Network". Clicking "Allow Network Users to Change My Files" will allow you to make changes to files in that folder from another system. It's really that easy.

To Share a Printer in XP:

You do not need a print server to print across your network. Go to the computer that has the printer attached. Click "Start" and select "Printers and Faxes". Right-click on the printer you want to share on your network and select "Sharing". Click "Share This Printer". You can name it whatever you want. Click OK. Now to add the printer to your other systems: With the "Printers and Faxes" window still open, click "Add a Printer" on the left side. Select "A Network Printer or a Printer Connected to Another Computer". Click "Next". Select "Browse For a Printer" and click "Next". Your shared printer should be listed in the next window. Select it and click "Next". It may ask you if you want to copy drivers over from the other machine, say Yes or OK whichever comes up. Repeat for each system you want to use this printer.

 

[97tbird]

I did as suggested:
However, when I went to shring on the PC where printer is attched it asked me if I want to run the MS network setup thing or enable sharing without it. I chose without, and did the rest as suggested...and then on the laptop, after clicking on "browse for a printer" and "next", I got the message that "windows could not connect connect to this printer", the name of the printer may have been typed incorrectly, etc. However, I did type the name that I gave the the printer earlier correctly, when I was enabling the sharing....wonder what went wrong...???

 

[97tbird]

I fixed it...was the name-thing...it works!!! thanks a lot!