Setting Up Home Networks in XP & Vista

Setting up a home network in Windows XP and Vista is a straightforward process.

Setting up your Windows operating system for home networking will allow you to use your wireless printer remotely, share files and printers with other computers, and access other devices connected to the network. After you connect the computer or computers to the Internet, you can set up a home network in Windows. Windows XP users can set up a home network via the Network Setup Wizard, whereas Windows Vista will set up the network automatically (except in the case of wireless networks). To access multiple computers across the same network, you must also confirm that the workgroup name for each computer matches.

Instructions

Windows XP

1. Click "Start." Click "My Computer." Type "Network and Internet Connections" into the address bar. Click "Go."

2. Click "Network Setup Wizard." Click "Next" on the Welcome screen.

3. Confirm that your computer is properly connected to the Internet. Click "Next." Check "Ignore disconnected network hardware," if applicable, then click "Next."

4. Select "This computer connects directly to the Internet" if your computer is connected directly to a modem. Select "This computer connects to the Internet through a residential gateway or through another computer on my network" if your computer is connected to a router.

5. Click "Next." Click "Next" again. Complete the "Computer description" and "Computer name" fields. Click "Next."

6. Name your network. Click "Next." Select the appropriate options to enable or disable file and printer sharing.

7. Click "Next." Review the summary screen to confirm that your selections are accurate. Click "Next."

8. Select "Just finish the wizard" from the options. Click "Next," then click "Finish." Click "Yes" to restart your computer.

9. Boot to XP, then click "Start." Right-click "My Computer." Click "Properties." Select "Computer Name" from the tabs.

10. Click "Change." Name the workgroup. Click "OK" to save your changes. Restart your computer. Check the other computers on the network to confirm that the workgroup names match.

Windows Vista

1. Check the network connections on the task tray to confirm that your computer is connected to the Internet.

2. If you are connected to the Internet through a wireless network, click "Start." Click "Control Panel." Select "Network and Internet," then "Network and Sharing Center." Select "Set up a connection or network" from the left pane. Click "Set up a wireless router or access point." Follow the onscreen instructions to set up the wireless network.

3. Click "Start." Right-click "Computer." Scroll to the section labeled "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings." Click "Change settings."

4. Select "Change" from the "Computer Name" tab. Name your workgroup. Click "OK." Click "OK" again. All of the computers on the network must share the same workgroup name. If you connect another computer to the network, you must also change its workgroup name in the "Computer Name" tab.

References

• Microsoft: Windows XP: Set Up Your Computer For Home Networking
• Microsoft: Add a Device or Computer to a Network
• Microsoft: Setting Up a Home Network