Laptop/Desktop-Filesharing

[VirusType2]

I'm not sure anyone will be able to help, but I figured I would ask anyway, while I continue to search for answers elsewhere.

I've got a ton of files on my desktop hard drives and I wanted to be able to transfer or access them from my laptop.

For example, I have a large amount of MP3's on my desktop, and I want to be able to access them from my laptop, and play them through my laptop. Not only that, but I want to be able to copy them to my laptop.

I also need to be able to use a shared printer and flatbed scanner

basically, instead of burning 100 DVD's of files to transfer them, I just wanted to create a file sharing network between my desktop and laptop.

they are right next to each other in the same room


In my attempt to create this shared files network, I've plugged them both into a Linksys EtherFast 10/100 5-Port Workgroup Switch.

however, both computers access the internet wirelessly - through a their own wireless adapters, and not through the workgroup switch, and I'm hoping that is not a problem.

basically, I just wanted to share files through the ethernet ports of these computers like you would with a crossover cable (the more common method) - but instead using a workgroup switch.

I attempted to create this new network, and now I have a shared folder on both computers, however, It's not showing me the other computer on either of them.

I've got this shared folder on both, but neither of them are sharing.

I've never set up a network before, and my best attempt doesn't seem to work. Any suggestions?

 

[Asus]

Are you using XP or Vista?

I don't use simple file sharing in XP usually so that may be a little different. (unchecked box at My Computer>Tools>Folder Options>View scroll down)
If you right-click on the folder and properties, you can go to the Sharing tab and say 'Share this folder'. You can also go to the Security tab and allow 'everyone' to access the folder. Add>Advanced>Find Now>Everyone>OK>OK. Then I just access the PC while on the network by going \\PCName in the address bar of explorer. If you don't add 'everyone' to the security thing then it probably will prompt for a username/pw.

 

[VirusType2]

Are you using XP or Vista?

I don't use simple file sharing in XP usually so that may be a little different. (unchecked box at My Computer>Tools>Folder Options>View scroll down)
If you right-click on the folder and properties, you can go to the Sharing tab and say 'Share this folder'. You can also go to the Security tab and allow 'everyone' to access the folder. Add>Advanced>Find Now>Everyone>OK>OK. Then I just access the PC while on the network by going \\PCName in the address bar of explorer. If you don't add 'everyone' to the security thing then it probably will prompt for a username/pw.

Using XP Professional on both computers
I checked allow simple file sharing on both computers
I set a folder to be shared using the shared tab
I don't have a security tab
add>advanced??..

how do I get there?

I tried typing \\mypcname and it can't find it. I tried a few times, and double checked that it is spelled exactly the same

edit
SHIT - It's possible my laptop's network card isn't functional - it's never been tested since I installed it. It's not listing any problems, but I may need to install a different driver. I can't test it now. Another possibility is the fact that my workgroup switch is not connected to the internet itself, since I'm using wireless instead. Why is it that every time I need to try something for the first time, I always have the unique situation that makes things more complicated.


on my desktop i have the little icon that shows the two computer monitors side by side (tooltip: 'local area connection'), but on my laptop I don't have any indicator for the LAN

I'll probably just order a crossover cable this weekend from monoprice for like $2. I've got to order some other stuff anyway. Less electricity, less outlets filled up, and .. just to be sure that isn't my problem

 

[Asus]

Could it be that the LAN on the laptop is installed but 'disabled' so it didn't give you the cable disconnected icon?

btw I think you can only get to the security tab if you DON'T use simple sharing.

 

[VirusType2]

Could it be that the LAN on the laptop is installed but 'disabled' so it didn't give you the cable disconnected icon?

btw I think you can only get to the security tab if you DON'T use simple sharing.

I think I'm going to order a crossover cable this weekened, to keep things simple

I checked it, everything seems to be perfect with the ethernet card. it's installed, enabled, and seems to be the right driver.. It's even got some specific features in the configuration, so I think it's right

I'm not sure why it's not showing the icon, I have 'hide inactive icons' unchecked even, so it should show me something.


Do you think I should try not using 'simple file sharing'?

the other thing is that I was hoping I could just go into a shared folder by clicking folder icons. Do I have to type the PCname address into explorer? I'm assuming I can go into any window that shows the adress bar and type \\mypc'sname
and that is it? It will open the folder?

or do I have to type something like \\pcname\shared\shared music

or something like that?

is there a way to set up shortcuts so I don't have to type something in the address bar to access files?

EDIT - my desktop shows the LAN icon is fine, but on my laptop it's 'limited or no connectivity'. This has got to be the issue. I dont' even want to access teh internet with LAN though

ANOTHER EDIT-
A while back I installed a nice icon set, unfortunately it replaces the LAN icon with a wireless Icon. that is stupid and that's what confused me. Yeah I do have a LAN icon on my laptop, but it's limited or no activity.

It says it's FIREWALLED. However, I tried temporarily disabling the firewall on both computers and it still doesn't work.. I think it's hooked up wrong or som

 

[VirusType2]

downloaded the user manual for the 5 port workgroup switch. (my brother gave it to me years ago with no manual)

EZXS55W v2 & EZXS88W v2 only:
If the Uplink port is in use (connected to another switch, etc.), the 10/100
Workgroup Switch’s port next to the Uplink port must remain empty and
unused. As with most switches, the 10/100 Workgroup Switch’s Uplink port
and the port adjacent to it are joined together inside the switch, and one cannot
be used while the other is in use.
EZXS16W only:
The 10/100 16-Port Switch is equipped with a crossover button (labeled
MDI/MDIX) that enables port 16 to be used as the switch’s uplink port. To
utilize the port’s uplink capability, the MDI/MDIX button must be depressed.
If the button is not depressed, port 16 will function as a normal 10/100 port.

Sounds like the one I have - EZXS55W, doesn't have a crossover capability.

so I'll just get a crossover cable.

 

[Barney Fife]

Virus, First of all, you must setup your network on all computers.
Workgroup name, Computer descriptions and type of network should all be setup for all computers. Also "File and Printer sharing, Client for Microsoft Networks, Qos Packet scheduler and Microsoft TCP/IP" should all be turned on for all computers to communicate. also if you're using a a wireless router your private IP and network group should be trusted in the security center of the router's firewall and or antivirus network panel.

Seems to me the connection is there but your network is missing.


Good Luck.

 

[Adabiviak]

I believe the workgroup name must be the same for both? I do this same setup at home, via a router. The scanner is something that I haven't been able to share, so I'll either scan a document to a known location and pick it up from the other computer, or use VNC (which is free to download and use) to run the other computer from the main one.