How can I get my network to work?
Posted by: Rockingdoc on 05 March 2009
I have a very simple (by the standards of others posting here) home wireless network, but have failed to get it to work as a true network.
the system comprises a couple of desk-top PCs and two laptops. One PC connects to the Belkin router (which has cable internet connection) using ethernet, the other three using wireless.
My problem is that in connecting to the network; one uses MacAfee wireless management software, one uses Norton, one uses Belkin, and one uses Windows. I set up the wireless security using the Belkin's software. As a result, by using the password, each connects to the internet ok but none will talk to each other.
Can you give me an idiots guide how to turn this into a network, with a view to adding in NAS/Mac/iTouch as a music interface/server for my intended HDX/MacLavry plans? Any advice (including "just go away", gratefully received).
the system comprises a couple of desk-top PCs and two laptops. One PC connects to the Belkin router (which has cable internet connection) using ethernet, the other three using wireless.
My problem is that in connecting to the network; one uses MacAfee wireless management software, one uses Norton, one uses Belkin, and one uses Windows. I set up the wireless security using the Belkin's software. As a result, by using the password, each connects to the internet ok but none will talk to each other.
Can you give me an idiots guide how to turn this into a network, with a view to adding in NAS/Mac/iTouch as a music interface/server for my intended HDX/MacLavry plans? Any advice (including "just go away", gratefully received).
I'm no expert, 
, but if each of your computers can access the internet the network set up is ok.
Presuming that they are all windoze machines:
- check that they are all in the same workgroup or domain
- check the firewall status on each, they may not be 'discoverable'
- try ping-ing one machine from another (checks connectivity)
- try connecting to the admin share for each machine (assuming you know the relevant passwords)
Cheers,
Steve
, but if each of your computers can access the internet the network set up is ok.Presuming that they are all windoze machines:
- check that they are all in the same workgroup or domain
- check the firewall status on each, they may not be 'discoverable'
- try ping-ing one machine from another (checks connectivity)
- try connecting to the admin share for each machine (assuming you know the relevant passwords)
Cheers,
Steve
Rockingdoc,
OK follow this (still assuming your using Windoze):
- check that they are all in the same workgroup or domain
Right click on My Computer and choose properties. Click on the Computer Name tab. Make a note of the workgroup name. They should all be WORKGROUP, but ya never know...
- try ping-ing one machine from another (checks connectivity)
Let's call them Desktop1 and Laptop1 for convenience, and that you're trying to contact the laptop from the desktop. You'll need to know the name and ip address of laptop1 so, on that computer, right click on My Computer and choose properties. Click on the Computer Name tab. Make a note of the Full Computer name, e.g. mylaptop. Cancel out of the window. Open a DOS window (Start->Run->cmd) and type "ipconfig" and make a note of the IP Address, e.g. 192.168.1.1. Close the window. Now, on the desktop1 computer, open a DOS window and type "ping mylaptop" or "ping "192.168.1.1" and look at the output. If you get 100% packet loss there's a problem - maybe your firewall...
- try connecting to the admin share for each machine (assuming you know the relevant passwords)
using dektop1 open My Documents. Click on Tools and Map Network Drive. Stick with whatever drive letter it gives you and type \\mylaptop\c$ into Folder. Un-tick Reconnect at logon, and click on Connect using a different user name. Type in the User name and Password. Click OK, click Finish. If this works a new window will open, showing the contents of the C drive on mylaptop. If it doesn't work, maybe it's your firewall...
- check the firewall status on each, they may not be 'discoverable'
anyone... 
Cheers, Steve
OK follow this (still assuming your using Windoze):
- check that they are all in the same workgroup or domain
Right click on My Computer and choose properties. Click on the Computer Name tab. Make a note of the workgroup name. They should all be WORKGROUP, but ya never know...
- try ping-ing one machine from another (checks connectivity)
Let's call them Desktop1 and Laptop1 for convenience, and that you're trying to contact the laptop from the desktop. You'll need to know the name and ip address of laptop1 so, on that computer, right click on My Computer and choose properties. Click on the Computer Name tab. Make a note of the Full Computer name, e.g. mylaptop. Cancel out of the window. Open a DOS window (Start->Run->cmd) and type "ipconfig" and make a note of the IP Address, e.g. 192.168.1.1. Close the window. Now, on the desktop1 computer, open a DOS window and type "ping mylaptop" or "ping "192.168.1.1" and look at the output. If you get 100% packet loss there's a problem - maybe your firewall...
- try connecting to the admin share for each machine (assuming you know the relevant passwords)
using dektop1 open My Documents. Click on Tools and Map Network Drive. Stick with whatever drive letter it gives you and type \\mylaptop\c$ into Folder. Un-tick Reconnect at logon, and click on Connect using a different user name. Type in the User name and Password. Click OK, click Finish. If this works a new window will open, showing the contents of the C drive on mylaptop. If it doesn't work, maybe it's your firewall...
- check the firewall status on each, they may not be 'discoverable'
anyone...
Cheers, Steve