How do I set up a workgroup to share files and printer?

Question

I have successfully set up an ICS sharing network with a Cable Modem, a Netsys WRT54GS, a desktop connected through ethernet to the router and a laptop connecting wirelessly. I have named both computers and run the Network Setup wizard on both, assigning an identical workgroup name. I have selected Share Files and Printers on both machines (and restarted) but when I go to My Network Places > View Workgroup Computers on each machine, I just see the local machine.

I thought that Workgroups was peer-to-peer and didn't need a server. Can you suggest what I may have missed?

diogenese19348 · Accepted Answer

Owl, this is probably best set by e-mail rather than answers.  I assume you still have mine.

First question though is:  Can both computers see the Internet (I need to know they both are going through the router, that is the fastest way).

Second I need to know the operating systems on both machines.

Assuming you have connectivity to the router, it usually is a permissions issue, or the work groups not being identical.  One letter off is all it takes.  

Anyway, send me an e-mail

-Dio

I just put both my boxes on XP (one was Linux), both are connected to a Linksys wireless router.

You need to run the Home Network wizard on both machines, or make a copy of the network startup disk.

Make sure the network names are the same, but the computer names are not, make sure file and print sharing is turned on in the wizard, then set up a directory to share.

That's all it takes.  I have my two talking to each other now.

-Dio

Laser · Answer

you also may need to add the network place. its an option on the left hand side.
click next, then next, then click browse, then microsoft windows network, then workgroup, then select the folders you want to add.

How do I set up a workgroup to share files and printer?

2 Answers