Home Network (Totally Lost)

OK, I have two computers, one is my old windows XP and the other is my new windows 7. Recently, I bought a Linksys E2500 Advanced Dual-Band N Router so that I could connect the two as well as share the printer and internet.

The first thing I did was install the program (via CD) onto the xp computer and then was prompted to make a key for the 7 computer and then plug it into my usb port on the 7 computer and allow it to install there. (maybe I should have done that the other way around?) I believe I have all the connections (ethernet cables) connected properly, I can print from either computer, and both have access to the internet.

But, as I log into the 7 computer, I see that I can gain access to the xp computers "share" directory, but nothing else. When I look at the xp computer, I can't see the 7 computer at all. (at least I don't think so!) Also, windows 7 shows me a map (My windows 7 computer --- Switch ---- Router Name ----- Internet) But, at the bottom of the map page it says, "The following discovered device(s) can not be placed in the map." which shows an icon of my windows xp computer.

At this point, with all the questions about "host" computer, "client" computer, workgroup name, etc., I'm just getting more confused at what I'm even looking at. All I want to do is be able to work from either computer on the internet, as well as access files from either computer and print from either computer.

BTW, just for my information, can my windows 7 run any software that resides on my windows xp computer through the network?

 

I suspect the problem you are having is in the Win7 Firewall. Try turning it off temporarily and see if it allows the connection.

As far as running software across the network, it depends on the specific software. Some software can only be run locally by design to protect the author by way of user licenses.

 

Ok, I did take a look at the windows firewall and it is turned off on both computers. No worries, I did that because I installed comodo instead. And, comodo is setup to allow communication to/from each computer.

But, I went back in on both computers and renamed the workgroup names, just to make sure they were the same and joined on each pc. Now I can see my windows 7 pc, from my xp pc, and it also allows me to log into my pass-worded user account on the windows 7 pc. I can see everything from there...I'm the administrator on both pc's.

So, the only problem I see is now is that I can't seem to find a way to get my windows 7 pc to do the same in reverse! All I see so far is the "sharing folder" located on my xp pc. Keep in mind, windows 7 is new to me and I'm still figuring it all out so, there might be a way for me to do this, I just haven't figured it out yet.

Also, I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not but, I installed the network software on my windows xp pc first.....does that make it the "host" computer? And, would that make a difference?

Thanks for the info!

 

First thing is get rid of Comodo and install Microsoft Security Essential and use Windows firewall on both machines. Turn off Home Sharing, since you only have one Windows 7 machine. Also, you did not need to install any extra software on the CD that came with the router, so remove that stuff. Change Windows 7 Private settings from 128k key to the lower choice in advanced settings for Private network, and also make sure that on both machines that you have file & folder sharing enabled. Once you have the basics done, you should be good to go.

Are both machines running the Pro version of the Operating system? If so, make sure that "Simple file Sharing" is also enabled on both machines. Your question is a usual question that gets discussed on here quite a bit. One place that I point people if they have problems further on, is to go to http://www.ezlan.net for good information on networking, etc.

 

So brownizs, are you saying that I did not need to use the setup disc that came with my router?

Also, I'm not running pro on either system, XPHE and 7 Home Premium but, with a few tweaks in my xp system, I was able to enable file sharing with the drive I wanted so, now I can access both ways.

I have to say though, I like the simplicity of what your saying. I always like the idea of allowing windows to do the job instead of loading more software, taking up more disc space and generally creating additional conflicts.

If I uninstall the software that I installed from the routers setup disc, won't I loose my internet connection or will the router still allow both systems to have access through the ethernet cables? The reason I ask is because I will take some time and set up my network more in the fashion you mentioned, but I still need to be able to read the internet site you linked too.

 

You will not lose the internet connection to the router. Uninstall the software, because you do not need it for the computers to connect to the router. All it takes, if you are connecting with a wired connection, is turn on the modem, then the router, then the computers, and they will find the IP that is assigned to the associated MAC for the NIC in the computer. If wireless, the computer will ask for the Key that you placed on the router, so that you can be allowed connection.

Windows XP & Windows 7 already has the software built into them for Wireless. It is Called Wireless Zero Config. For Wired, it is also built into the Operating system, so no need for anything extra. I always tell my customers to toss the disc, or when they hand me the box, I only pull out the router, the ethernet cord and the power cord, and toss everything else into the trash or recycling bin.

 

ditto Brownizs, just in case it makes you nervous! I don't even know what is on that CD, i've never used it for any brand and I've installed half of dozen routers. I thought the CD was a utility for connecting the router to the modem, not computer to computer.

You can (and should) uninstall the software, computer communications are not depending on it.

Until you have everything connected and cooperating, you probably shouldn't install firewalls or privacy software. Once all the computers are testing reliably, you can add one favorite product at a time, seperated by a few days.

 

handygal, the software is usually a wireless manager, user guides, and also Easy connect software, that when you press the WPS (Wireless Protected Setup) button, it allows you to not know the Key to connect to the router/AP. It is as far as most old timers like myself are concerned, it is garbage.

 

Thanks brownizs, I was able to manage all of your recommendations over the weekend. Uninstalled Comodo, Turned on windows firewall and have installed and running Microsoft Security Essentials on both computers. I also played around with the sharing settings and got myself a little bit more familiar with how it all works.

Now I have "unidirectional" access from both pc's as well as printer capabilities.

Thanks again for everyone's input, I couldn't have managed it without you!

 

You only need the Firewall on, when you are not on your home network. Turn it off, because your router does enough with the NAT protection. You would only need the firewall if you have a laptop and roam on other networks.