HELLO!! I need a little help settin up a home network with 2 computers. We simply want to be able to share files.

The two computers are connected to a cable modem hub. Each connection is 'direct to the internet', meaning that no computer is acting as a server or client. Initially, I had one computer on a cable modem, and a roommate moved in, and he just connected his PC to the hub.

We both use Windows XP and both ran the network setup wizard, but for some reason we can't see each others computers in Network Places, or see each others files. He is able to ping my PC in CMD prompt, but mine can't do likewise. We've checked to make sure the firewalls are allowing connection and so on, and I'm at a loss.

Any advice on the procedure of setting up a small home network with 2 computers that connect independantly to the internet using the same hub? Cheers!!!

Hello Debuntante,

You need to share your drives and/or printer before you can see each others files.

From PC1:
- Right click on the folder or drive you wish to share.
- Click on Sharing and Security.
- Check the "Share this folder on the network" and give your share a name.

From PC2:
- Right click on My Computer
- Click on Map Network Drive
- Give yourself a drive letter, and use the path \\[IP ADDRESS]\Share Name
For example, if PC1 is 192.168.1.2 and the folder share name is Billy, the path will be: \\192.168.1.2\Billy

- Click on "Reconnect at Logon".

Very similar process if you want to share printers as well.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH . That worked ver well!!

Any time, marked as answered.