OT - Homenetwork setup help needed

[jejton]

I would like to setup a home network but am not sure how best to do it. I have two PC's running Vista and a wireless router behind the modem. The desktop is plugged into the ethernet jack ( the house is wired with ethernet ) and the laptop can be used wirelessly or plugged into a jack as necessary. I have a printer connected to the desktop. I would like to be able to print from the laptop as well as access files using one computer from another computer and copy from one to the other as well. It would also be nice if I can figure out how to use the Xbox 360 properly as a media extender. Last year I followed the directions off of the microsoft website but for some reason the only media it detects are the podcasts on my desktop, not the music even though they are in the same folder. I am not completely computer illiterate but not what you would call a power user, so keep the instructions dumbed down please.

 

[d4a2n0k]

This link will help you out and explains it better than I can. http://www.lytebyte.com/2008/02/01/...s-with-vista-using-wireless-or-wired-network/

 

[jejton]

Thanks for the link. Is there no way to share the whole computer? What about printer sharing? I can't manage to set it up.

 

[d4a2n0k]

No, you have to share each drive/folder seperately.

For printer sharing, on your desktop go into "Network and Sharing Center" and turn printer sharing on. On your laptop, go to control panel -> Hardware and Sound -> add printer. Choose "add a network, wireless or bluetooth printer" and it will search your network for the printer. It might or might not need the driver for the printer.

 

[jejton]

Still wont locate the printer.