homegroup

Hello
Originally the ethernet cable from the desk went to the #1 port of the Comcast gateway and the printer went to the gateway also. The digital phone is a separate issue.
I then bridged the gateway to use my router instead so an ethernet cable went from the router(top port) to the #1 port of the gateway. The printer went to the router also.
Now I could not get homegropup until I unplugged the ethernet cable from the PC to the router then I got the homegroup.
My problem is that I do not understand how the PC is involved although everything is working. I want to be sure all is in place so no harm like a loop is created..
There is an ethernet cable from the PC to nothing as it used to go to the gateway.
How can the PC be effective or function with this scenario if it has no cables going to it unless it is wireless? The PC is about 4 1/2 years old desktop which communicates with a laptop. It works but how if no wire goes to the desk?
TY

 

The PC must have its own enabled wireless adapter peter. Check the network icon in the system tray - what is it connected to?

 

>>B- It appears that I have WI-FI and no Ethernet for desk and lap.
Am I more secure going back to ethernet with the desktop and WI- FI with other devices like the laptop?
I hope the prntscrns come through so you can see.
P

 

Securitywise it doesn't make any difference whether you connect to the router by cable or wirelessly peter as it's the router that has to have wireless security. Which has me wondering how your PC managed to connect to it without you being asked for the wireless password. You need to check this out peter.

 

It seems when I have ethernet for the desk ad WI FI for the laptop I have no homegroup. When all is wireless I have home group.
What do you suggest I do to check it out, B?
I do not know what to do.

 

The easiest way to check whether your router has wireless security enabled is to see if you can connect to it with a phone. It should ask for the wireless password before allowing you to connect. If it allows a connection without a password see if you can find a manual or CD that came with it. If neither of those then what make and model is it?

 

Hello
My ISP finally acknowledged that the consumer bridging the modem is defective. While on the phone I suggested he do it from his end and by gosh the green light came on. This was all intertwined with the homgroup which I finally created and got the router and all cables functioning.
Thank you, B. for your advice.
P

 

You still should satisfy yourself that wireless access is secure peter. It probably is, but needs checking.

 

>>I have MBAM and its Exploit, Spyware Blaster and Defender and have run Trend's free scan too. What else do you recommend?

If you are referring to post 6 I am unclear what you mean about it. TY

 

This isn't about malware peter, it's about ensuring others don't use or misuse your internet connection. To prevent this from happening you have to have a wireless password set in your router without which nothing can connect, including any wireless computer on your LAN. The fact that your PC connected wirelessly to the router when you weren't even aware it had a wireless adapter, and weren't required to provide a password first, suggested that the router is open for anyone to use it. I'm sure you wouldn't want the authorities questioning you about downloading child porn for example :eek

As I said, the simplest way to check whether security is set is to see if a phone can connect to it by wifi. Otherwise we may need to access the router setup and check it directly. The way that is done varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

 

Bernie, I was not awake and finally realized what you were getting at. I have "forgotten" networks on my phone and am asked for a password for any of the phones trying to access my WiFi.
It appears I have security as no phone was able to reach me w/o a password.
I had assumed that I was secure when I tried to use the laptop after a reset and it asked for the password.
Thank you for your good tip of the day.
Peter