Do you know how I would network these two PCs?

I hope this will be an easy question for you wise gurus.

The background
I have a standard desktop PC located in my study room. I use this to rip CDs, DVDs, photos, etc. I have a Home Theatre PC running Media Portal connected to my TV and located in my living room. I would like to be able to manage and update the HTPC's hard drive remotely from the desktop PC in the other room. How would I best do this?

The network
Both PCs will be connected to the internet using the same modem router. The router is located next to the desktop PC, and the HTPC is connected to the router using a Netgear Powerline.

My question
1. If I wanted to access and edit the hard drive of the HTPC whilst sitting at the desktop PC, would it possible to do this over the ethernet network connection?
2. If so, what would I need to do to set this up?

Your help would be much appreciated. Thank you!

 

You have them networked, do you mean you can't see the other PC from one?
They need to be in the same workgroup, then you can share files .etc.
For management (I'm guessing you mean remote control) use remote desktop or some VNC flavor.

A little more nfo.. plz.

 

Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings, http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what it is allowed to be shared.

Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

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I notice that you want to used a powerline connection and that you haven't done it yet.

It can be very difficult to distribute internet via the powerline without a pc connected.

Describe the proposed connections more fully. Are both power outlets on the same (ring) main?