File, Media and Printer Sharing

Once, home networks were primarily the realm of technophiles -- most families either didn't need or couldn't afford more than one computer. But now, in addition to using computers for e-mail, people use them for schoolwork, shopping, instant messaging, downloading music and videos, and playing games. For many families, one computer is no longer enough to go around. In a household with multiple computers, a home network often becomes a necessity rather than a technical toy.

A home network is simply a method of allowing computers to communicate with one another. If you have two or more computers in your home, a network can let them share:

    * Files and documents
    * An Internet connection
    * Printers, print servers and scanners
    * Stereos, TVs and game systems
    * CD burners

The different network types use different hardware, but they all have the same essential components:

    * More than one computer
    * Hardware (such as a router) and software (either built in to the operating system or as a separate application) to coordinate the exchange of information
    * A path for the information to follow from one computer to another

After the computers are connected, you can share files and printers between computers through the home network. To troubleshoot file sharing and printer sharing, follow these steps in the order in which they are provided until you isolate and resolve the issue.

   1. Open Control Panel from the Start Menu or Windows desktop.

   2. On Windows XP or Windows 2000, open the "Network Connections" Control Panel applet. On Windows 95 | 98 | ME, open the "Network" applet.

   3. On Windows XP or Windows 2000, choose the connection on which to enable / disable sharing. View the properties for this connection by right-clicking on the icon and choosing "Properties" from the menu. If the connection is a dial-up connection, click the Networking tab to view its properties.

      On Windows 95 | 98 | ME, simply click the "File and Print Sharing" option inside the "Network" window.

   4. On Windows XP or Windows 2000, ensure the "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Windows" checkbox is checked to enable sharing and unchecked to disable sharing for that connection. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to check this setting for other connections.

      On Windows 95 | 98 | ME, file and printer sharing can be enabled / disabled separately. Ensure the respective checkboxes are set to enable / disable sharing as desired.

   5. Close the open properties / Network windows and Control Panel. On Windows 95 | 98 | ME, reboot the computer if prompted to do so.

Tips: Consider disabling Windows File and Printer Sharing when connected to public networks for improved security.

Troubleshoot file sharing and printer sharing:

Step 1: Run the Network Setup Wizard to configure each computer in the network
Step 2: Make sure that file sharing is configured correctly on each computer.
Step 3: Make sure that the Guest account is set up for network access

All network access to either a Windows XP Home Edition-based computer in a workgroup or to a Windows XP Professional-based computer in a workgroup uses the Guest account. Before you continue to troubleshoot, make sure that the Guest account is set up for network access. To do this, follow these steps:

   1. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
   2. Type the net user guest, and then press ENTER.
   3. If the account is active, a line appears in the output of the command that has the following format:


    ACCOUNT ACTIVE        YES

   4. If the account is not active, type net user guest /active:yes, and then press ENTER to give the Guest account network access. The following text returns after the command:

    THE COMMAND COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY.

If you receive any other response, make sure that you are logged on as an administrator, and then confirm that you typed the command correctly before you try again.

When you are finished setting up the Guest account for network access, go to step 4. If you were unable to set up the Guest account, go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how to contact Support.

Step 4: Make sure that folder for the computer name is shared
Step 5: Test the connection between computers
Step 6: Check the Network Setup Wizard log file for errors

When you are finished checking the Network Setup Wizard log file for errors, you should now have connectivity for file and printer sharing. If you still have problems with your home network, go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how to contact Support.

iGlobalSupport.com offers a wide variety of services in ensuring that your computer is in top shape. This invariably includes printer repair and tune-up, or assistance in printer resolutions and configurations. iGlobalSupport.com is your gateway to maximum computer efficiency; call us if you're seeking professional help regarding your printer.