Networking Windows 98 system with Windows XP system

Question

Hello,

This is my first time creating a home network, so let me thank everyone in advance for you help and advice. Let me also ask that you provide said help and advice using small words and simple sentences. :)

Now, here's my question.

I have a Dell dimensions XPS T700 running Windows 98SE. I share a broadband Internet connection via a Linksys wired router with my girlfriend's PC which runs Windows XP. My printer recently died and rather than replace it, I'd like to enable print sharing so that I can print from my PC on the printer connected to her PC, an HP710C.

Is this possible, or would I need a printer that can be linked to the router?

Thanks.

Hoops

volcano11 · Answer

So long as the computer to which the printer is connected to is powered on, then yes, you should be able to print to that printer across the network. On that computer, Go to Start > Printers and Faxes, right click on the printer and click on Sharing. Select the option to Share the Printer and give it a name. Note that in order to share the printer, File and Printer Sharing must be enabled in the Network property box.

On the Windows 98 computer you will need to install the printer and tell Windows that it is a network printer. If you do not have Windows 98 drivers for the printer, you will have to download the Windows 98 drivers from the HP web site so that they can be installed on the Windows 98 computer.

Steve

IndyHoops · Answer

@volcano11 wrote:

So long as the computer to which the printer is connected to is powered on, then yes, you should be able to print to that printer across the network. On that computer, Go to Start > Printers and Faxes, right click on the printer and click on Sharing. Select the option to Share the Printer and give it a name. Note that in order to share the printer, File and Printer Sharing must be enabled in the Network property box.

On the Windows 98 computer you will need to install the printer and tell Windows that it is a network printer. If you do not have Windows 98 drivers for the printer, you will have to download the Windows 98 drivers from the HP web site so that they can be installed on the Windows 98 computer.

Steve

OK, setting up the XP machine was easy, but when I tried to add the printer on the Win 98 machine, I got an error. I selected Add Printer, selected Network Printer but when I click on Browse I get an "Unable to Browse Network" error.

volcano11 · Answer

Is file and printer sharing enabled on the XP computer? Does file sharing work both ways (i.e. can you copy a file from one computer to another? If the answer is no to both of these questions, see the following:

1. Make sure all computers are in the same workgroup and have unique names on the network

2. Make sure all firewalls are disabled while setting things up. In particular make sure that Windows XP's built-in firewall is disabled on the local area connection.

3. Make sure the NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled on all computers.

4. Make sure the drives and folders have been designated as shared.

5. If the Windows 98/ME computers have Client for Microsoft Networks as the primary network logon, make sure that the proper username and password are entered when these machines boot. If Windows logon is the primary network logon, make sure that either a null password is used or that the correct password is used when booting these computers. Hitting the cancel button at the password prompt may prevent network connectivity.

Steve

IndyHoops · Answer

@volcano11 wrote:

Is file and printer sharing enabled on the XP computer? Does file sharing work both ways (i.e. can you copy a file from one computer to another? If the answer is no to both of these questions, see the following:

1. Make sure all computers are in the same workgroup and have unique names on the network

2. Make sure all firewalls are disabled while setting things up. In particular make sure that Windows XP's built-in firewall is disabled on the local area connection.

3. Make sure the NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled on all computers.

4. Make sure the drives and folders have been designated as shared.

5. If the Windows 98/ME computers have Client for Microsoft Networks as the primary network logon, make sure that the proper username and password are entered when these machines boot. If Windows logon is the primary network logon, make sure that either a null password is used or that the correct password is used when booting these computers. Hitting the cancel button at the password prompt may prevent network connectivity.

Steve

1. Not sure how to do this.
2. Done
3. Done
4. Not sure how to do this either.
5. Not sure how to enter a null password, but since I'm never prompted for one, so I have a hunch this is done.

volcano11 · Answer

To make sure the computers are in the same workgroup and have unique names on the network, in Windows XP, right click on the My Computer icon and select properties from the drop down menu, then click on the Computer Name tab and make any changes you need to make there.  On the Windows 98 computer, right click on the Network Neighborhood icon and select Properties from the drop down menu then click on the Identification tab and make necessary changes there.   To share any drive or folder on either version of Windows, open Windows Explorer, right click on a drive or folder you want to share, then select Sharing from the drop-down menu.  Follow through with giving it share name.  Also see the help files for file sharing on each of your computers.   Steve

IndyHoops · Answer

@volcano11 wrote:

To make sure the computers are in the same workgroup and have unique names on the network, in Windows XP, right click on the My Computer icon and select properties from the drop down menu, then click on the Computer Name tab and make any changes you need to make there. On the Windows 98 computer, right click on the Network Neighborhood icon and select Properties from the drop down menu then click on the Identification tab and make necessary changes there.

To share any drive or folder on either version of Windows, open Windows Explorer, right click on a drive or folder you want to share, then select Sharing from the drop-down menu. Follow through with giving it share name. Also see the help files for file sharing on each of your computers.

Steve

Done. My girlfriend's PC (XP) now shows up on my (98) Network Neighborhood, but I'm prompted for a password like so:

Resource: \\MAIN\IPC$
Password:

I have no idea what the password is, and neither does my girlfriend. She hasn't set one on her PC, and we weren't able to figure out where it was. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Networking Windows 98 system with Windows XP system

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