How to Netwok Mac OS X & Windows XP With Existing Network
Networking a computer with Windows XP and Mac OS X can be a bit of a challenge since they do not work together by default. However, with some tweaks, you can share files from one computer to the next, even with the two separate Operating Systems installed on separate computers.
Prior knowledge of computer networking is very helpful, although not entirely necessary. Setting up the computers to network together when there is a pre-existing network will take about 10 minutes to complete.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with Mac OS X Computer with Windows XP Preexisting WIreless Network
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Find the IP address of your Mac computer. Open the Terminal (found in the Utilities subfolder of applications) and type "ipconfig getifaddr en1." Press "Enter." Take note of the IP address that the screen shows.
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2
Find the IP address of your Windows XP computer. Press "Start," and then "Run." Type "cmd" and then hit "Enter." Type "ipconfig" and then hit "Enter" again. Take note of the IP address that the screen displays.
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3
Set up a folder on the Windows XP computer. In the folder properties, click the "Sharing" tab to allow sharing.
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4
Click "Internet & Network" in Mac OS X, under "Sharing." Check the "Windows Sharing" option. This will share your entire computer with Windows computers in your network.
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5
Go into the Command Terminal again on your WIndows XP computer. Type "\\IP ADDRESS\USER NAME" into the field, replacing "IP ADDRESS" with the Mac's IP address and "USER NAME" with the user name of the Mac account.
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Enter Finder on your Mac. Click "Go" and then "Connect to Server." Type "smb://IP ADDRESS/SHARED FOLDER" into the field. The "SHARED FOLDER" is the folder that is shared on the Windows XP computer.
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Tips & Warnings
Only share folders and accounts that you feel comfortable sharing with others. If you are sharing confidential information over a network, make sure it is encrypted so that malicious people cannot access it and do harm to you. Always back-up data before setting up a network so that you do not lose crucial data.
