I am trying to help a family member with this project, and probably in over my head, but want to try.

I do have the network set up, with the master computer "A" which contains all the data files hard wired into the router.  The slave computer "B" is connecting to the router via wireless adapter.  Both computers are accessing the same internet connection fine, no problem there.

I've installed a particular piece of software on both computers, and the software works fine  on each computer independently.  I need to get this software on the slave "B" (which has no data files) to "see" the same software on the master "A" which contains all the data files, and let "B" access that data.  Bottom line, I need both computers to be able to talk to each other when using this particular piece of software.

Both computers are running Windows XP, and are located in the same building.

Can someone help me with some easy to understand instructions to pull this off?  I'm sure by my post you can tell I'm very much a newbie when it comes to this.  I know it can be done, just don't know how!

Thank you in advance.

Here's what I would do.

First, locate the data in its own folder somewhere.  Share that one folder as a network 'drive' on the 'master' computer.

Now map the network 'drive' (actually the folder) onto the second computer.  Point your software to that network drive for its data.

You need to have the two computers set up to be in the same WORKGROUP, and they should each have unique network IDs.  If you have firewall software, you will need to configure it so that the computers can access each other on the local network, which is a little more involved.

Jim

Quoted:
Here's what I would do.

First, locate the data in its own folder somewhere.  Share that one folder as a network 'drive' on the 'master' computer.

OK, pretty sure I understand.  Set this folder up for file sharing, yes?

Now map the network 'drive' (actually the folder) onto the second computer.  Point your software to that network drive for its data.

This is where I get really lost.  Can you describe simply how to do this?

You need to have the two computers set up to be in the same WORKGROUP, and they should each have unique network IDs.  If you have firewall software, you will need to configure it so that the computers can access each other on the local network, which is a little more involved.


I've got this setup as you described.


BTW, thanks for the quick informative reply, and you're from KS too.  Did you get any bad weather?  We just got power back, after 42 hours without.  hinking.gif

First, check to make sure you can "see" the other computer and the shared drive.

Now right click on your "My Network Places" icon.  I have mine set to be on the desktop, if yours isn't then go to Start/My Network Place and right click.  

From the menu that appears, select "Map Network Drive".

A dialog window will appear.  Pick the drive letter you want the folder assigned to, and then use "browse" to find your other computer on your local network.  You should be able to see all shared resources on that computer.  Select the shared folder you made on the other computer, and then click "OK".

Now you're back at the "Map Network Drive" dialog window.  Assuming this is something you want to be available any time the computer is on, check the box marked "Reconnect at Logon".

Now click "Finish" and your data folder should be available as a "drive" through My Computer.


Note:  You should always be careful about sharing network drives to make sure you aren't exposing your assets to the wide wild internet.  Routers should USUALLY provide a reasonable level of security for your network--but be SURE TO SECURE THE ROUTER.  Change the password, change the administrator name, and maybe even change the IP address.  If you're not using wireless networking but you have a wireless router, turn off the wireless portion of the router through the setup options.  If you are using wireless networking, be sure to use encryption and other standard security measures.

ETA:  Almost forgot, when you share a resource you have the option of password protecting it.  Look here for some information on this.  

Another thing I forgot to mention, I think Windows XP prevents you from sharing the "My Documents" folder or any user's home directory.  So you'll need to pick or create a folder somewhere else.  To make it simple, you could make a folder in the root directory called "Shared Resources", and then put the folder(s) in there that you want to share.

You can use GRC Shields Up! to check your port security.  Everything should be stealth except possibly Port 113.

Jim

Thank you very much for the great detailed info!

I'll follow you instructions, both on setup, and security.

Appreciate it very much.