How to Set Up Windows XP Workgroup for Mac OS X Leopard

A Windows XP workgroup connects computers in a network in order to share files. A workgroup also connects hardware, such as printers and scanners. All recent versions of the Mac OSX, including Mac OSX Leopard, are capable of connecting to Windows XP workgroups. Learn how to set up a Windows XP workgroup for Mac OS X Leopard so you can share files with other PCs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Set up a Windows XP workgroup on your PC. Click the "Start" menu in the lower left-hand corner of your WIndows XP screen and select "My Computer."

2. Right-click on the icon for "My Computer." Click "Properties" in the pop-up menu. A "System Properties" window will appear on the screen.

3. Click the tab for "Computer Name." Click the "Change" button at the bottom of the window.

4. Enter a name for the Windows XP workgroup. It is important to remember this name. Click "OK."

5. Turn on the Mac computer that is operating Mac OS X Leopard.

6. Click the Apple logo in the top left-hand corner of the Mac OSX screen and select "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu. A "Mac System Preferences" window will appear on the screen.

7. Select "Network." Click "Edit Locations" in the drop-down list in the "Location" menu.

8. Click your active, current location in the list of locations. By default, Mac OSX Leopard labels this as "Automatic." Click "Duplicate Location." Press "Done" and return to the main window.

9. Click the "Advanced" button. At the top of the window, choose the "WINS" tab.

10. Type the Windows XP workgroup name that you chose in Step 4. It is critical that the name is exactly the same as the name you entered on your Windows PC.

11. Press "OK" to close the window and select "Apply" to put the changes into effect. Access the Windows XP workgroup on your Mac from the "Shared" column in the "Finder."