Network help

[Zeus]

I just want to state off the bat that when it comes to networks, I know less than your grandmother. Please keep that in mind when dispensing advice.

OK, I have a wireless router setup in my house (standard Linksys Wireless G) that has the desktop and 360 hardwired into it with my DS, Wii, PSP, and laptop connecting wirelessly. It's got WEP encryption turned on. The laptop has Shitsa on it and the desktop has XP.

I have a particularly folder where I store all of my downloaded files (it was the folder I used to share with everyone when I had an FTP). What I want to do is allow the laptop to access this folder. I want my wife to use my desktop to download her shows and then access that folder on the desktop through her laptop so she can watch her shows that way. I don't want her to download using the laptop as I don't want that thing on all the time (she downloads constantly).

I know this function is actually available through Windows, I just don't know how to set it up and couldn't find anything useful through a search. I right-clicked the folder I wanted to share and went through the wizard to set up the share.

So, how the hell do I get my laptop (it's using Vista don't forget) to connect to this folder that I supposedly have shared? I just have no idea how to get the laptop to access it. And how can I make sure I've set up the share correctly?

For my purposes, the WEP should be enough protection, so I don't mind if any computer which has access to my network can access the folder.

[Shellie]

Since you have the share set up already, you can map the folder where you store your files to a drive letter on the laptop. I hope Vista is the same...

On the Laptop:
Go to My Computer, Tools, Map Network Drive
Pick a drive letter, then it would help to know the local IP address (192.168.1.x) of the pc that has the share, or the computer name for the Browse option. You can also include the location of the files folder so that when you go to that drive letter, it automatically opens up to that folder.

should work....

[Tessian]

Just as a side note... WEP is pretty weak anymore. The encryption can easily be hacked in minutes these days. It'll stop the random person from stealing your internet, but anyone with any experience will be able to crack it easily.

Problem is, last I checked I don't think the DS can handle WPA... so you're pretty much stuck with it. I hate the DS for that... and my Xbox wireless adapter (which I no longer have to use thank god).

Only thing I can add to Seraphina is to check the permissions on that share. If you have it set that Everyone has at least modify access then your other computers should have no trouble with it. Otherwise you gotta start giving the computers local accounts on the computer with the share to authenticate into. But...the Everyone way should be good if you're not too worried about someone hacking your WEP key

[Imakeholesinu]

Zeus. Get your Windows XP CD out and go to Start - Control Panel - Add/remove programs - Install Windows Components. Click "Application Server" then click Details, Click on IIS and check the box then check FTP. Once you've checked both of these click next and it should install IIS on her machine. Once it is installed right click on my computer and click "Manage". In Manage you should see IIS (if not expand the last option to show it). You will see Default FTP site. Set up the site's home directory, set a password to log in to the site. Since this is an interal site only and will be protected by your router/nat then you can set a simple password or just leave it to anonymous login. Go to your wife's computer and type in the ip address of the desktop machine with ftp:// and you should be able to see the files on the desktop that you specified as the home directory.


Note, this works with XP Professional only. XP Home does not have the component ability to setup an FTP site nor install IIS. If the laptop has XP Home it is ok as it can still access FTP sites via the web browser.

[Zeus]

The laptop has Vista on it. Will it still work?

[Tessian]

yes