Home network

[shvarz]

OK, I am a total noob in networking, but I want to set up some kind of network in my home between the desktop and the laptop.  The most needed ability is to move files quickly and without a hassle, but being able to use "Play over LAN" in games would also be nice.

Can someone help me out or point in the direction where I need to look?  If yes, then read on.

My desktop is hooked up to 54g wireless router through LAN cable, the router is hooked up to cable internet.  The laptop has 54g ability and I can get to the web through the router.  Desktop's OS is Win2000, laptop's is WinXP.

Where do I start?

[PurpleYouko]

Sounds as if you have already done most of it. What exactly is the problem? Are you having trouble getting the laptop to talk with the router?

[shvarz]

No, I am having problems getting laptop to talk to desktop.  For example, how do I make it possible to "Map network drive"?  Or that computers would find each other in "Network places"?

[PurpleYouko]

So they both see the router but not each other? Right? or is it just files within that they don't see?

You can set this stuff up from control panel/network settings (or similar. names change with Windows version)

You also need to make sure that both PCs have file sharing enabled.

[shvarz]

Yeah, that's about right - they don't see each other.
Yesterday I tried to play around with some network settings and it totally fucked up my laptop.  Here is how it happened:
1. At work the comp.support people created for me a domain account.
2. Yesterday I looked in network settings and noticed that laptop is on the "work" domain, while desktop is on "home" workgroup.  So I figured - maybe I should set my laptop on "home" workgroup - then they'll see each other.
3. I change the settings, it asks me to reboot, which I do.
4. Result - I can't get past the Windows Log-In screen.  My password does not work.
5. I go to the web on the desktop and learn that this is a very common mistake that people do.  Once you remove your computer from domain, Windows figures that your domain account is not going to be used, so... IT FUCKING REPLACES YOUR PASSWORDS WITH ITS OWN, WHICH NO ONE ON EARTH KNOWS!  It is designed this way!  The only solution after that is full re-install!

6. At this point I was ready to go through all poisons in my house and look for phone numbers of all people from Microsoft that I know and invite them over and...

7. I noticed that there is an un-official program on the web that can re-write windows passwords from some boot CD.  Only it does not work on all systems, only on some.  Of course, it turned out that it did not work on mine...  But the good news is that while I was trying to change the passwords I came upon some local accounts that I set up long time ago and did not bother to put passwords on them.
8.  I tried and I was able to get into Windows.  So, my files are safe - I can get them.  But I'll probably still need to re-install to get full control of my OS...

Damn MS!

[PurpleYouko]

Windows XP has a recovery function.
On boot up you should be able to choose to go back to the last recovery save point. (typically when something is installed) All your settings will change back to what they were then.
Other windows versions have this too but XP is the easiest to use. Just google it or go to MS help pages to find out exactly how to use it

[shvarz]

PY, you are truly a BOT GOD!  I humbly admit that you are a superior being!  It worked like a charm! :cheers:  :clap:  :boing:  :pray:  :pray:  :pray:  :pray:  :pray:  :pray:  :pray:  :pray:  :pray:  :pray:  :pray:  :pray:

[PurpleYouko]

Why, thank you very much kind sir!  :D

I wouldn't have gone quite that far though.

Next time I am in dire need of some help with molecular biology, I will call in the favor  :D