How To Share Files And Printer

[aqafaq]

First of all my apologies if I am in the wrong forum, but I think this is all interrelated. Actually I am a newbie in networking. Ok my problem is this, I had my 2 pcs linked to the internet via a Linksys wired router, the internet link is perfect, but can someone teach me in a simple step by step manner how do I share files between the 2 pcs and also the printer? I am using Win XP home edition.Thanks in advance. :)

[Locobato]

Ok, first step of process is to check for any firewalls on both computers. I recently had a huge headache because I didn't realize Mcafee Personal Firewall was on and that prevented one computer from sharing on the network. If there are any firewalls including Windows firewall make sure to shut them off. Next in Control Panel you will find the Network Connection Wizard. Run this program on both PC's and make sure to assign each PC a different name when prompted. The first option that appears will be the option referencing the use of a residual gateway, this is the correct option for using a router. Complete the Wizard and then you can open Network Places, then entire network, then Microsoft Windows Network, and last is MSHOME. You should then find in MSHOME an icon for the 2nd PC. Open this and you will find the other computers shared documents folder as well as any printers. Now, this automatically provides a shared folder so that any files in this folder are shared. But you have to program any other folders and the printers seperatley to share them.

If you want to use a printer on PC1, from PC1 go to start, settings, Printers and Settings. Right click on the Icon for the printer you wish to share, in the menu there will be an option for sharing. Here you will select the option to share printer and assign the printer a name. That sets up the sharing now you have to install the printer on PC2. So from PC2 go to start, settings, Printers and Faxes. Click add a new Printer. Select the option for Network Printer and then select browse the network. Your Printer from PC1 that was set for sharing should become displayed. Select and complete the install process and your done.

As for additional folders the same process is followed. Locate folder right click and open Sharing menu. Select share this folder, and your done.

[aqafaq]

Thankyou Locobato for the quick reply, but a few more questions before I have the confidence to try, do I have to do each of these steps in both pcs? Can I turn on back the firewall after everything is successfully completed? Do I have to turn it off again each time I want to enable file sharing or is it only at the first instance when I run networking wizard?