Ad-hoc wireless connection between Windows 7 and Windows XP computers...

Question

If I am not in the right forum, please redirect me.... I am exasperated, having spent four weeks looking at hundreds of help files in Dell, Microsoft and others in getting an ad-hoc computer-to computer system operational.  None have worked.  I get the impression that such instructions have been written by folks who are very specialised and assume users are very network tecknology savvy. Although I am prepared to go into detail of my actual case (I don't want to bore people at this stage) I would prefer to get advice from people who are able to recommend a definitive solution so others can also benefit. In summary I have: A Windows 7 Dell XPS8300 desktop computer on a very small ethernet-wired home network and is connected to the Internet.  Everything works fine. A netbook running Windows XP (with Service Pack 3), with wireless capability, which I want to connect via its wireless capability to the Dell desktop, which also has wireless capability. Having followed all the instructions which seem to be common to most help files, I have set the network parameters to WPA2-Personal / AES with a common password.  Neither recognises each other and the Network Troubleshooter says it can't do anything to help but I should consult the IT guru - that is me, but I'm not! Polite suggestions are most welcomed! David

PudgyOne · Accepted Answer

David,

Ad-Hoc connection is ok if you were in a hotel room, without a wireless router and you needed to share files or print to a wireless printer. For a home, I would use the wireless router. Virus programs and firewalls will also block communications, so that is another area to watchout for.

I have shared files and folders on my network and it's not really hard to do. The link I gave you is for XP/Windows7, keep in mind that the default for Windows 7 is WORKGROUP and XP is MSHOME, so you'll need to change the default on one or both.

Rick

PudgyOne · Answer

David,   Try reading this article, I think this is what you're trying to do. It works boith ways. Share Files and Printers between Windows 7 and XP     Rick

PudgyOne · Answer

gdas_australia,

An Ad-Hoc connection has to be made each time you start, restart your conputer(s) connect to the network. I would NOT use an Ad-Hoc unless you don't have a router.

Ad-Hoc Networking

Rick

gdas_australia · Answer

Thanks Rick for your pointer, I think I did look at this before.  The problem is I can't see my XP machine in the Windows 7 Network screen and that is before I come to share files and printers.  I know the XP wireless is OK because it works in hotel WiFi areas.

gdas_australia · Answer

I forgot to say in my earlier post that my XP machine works fine when connected by an Ethernet cable to the Windows 7 computer.  Each sees each other and I can share anything.  Its just the ad-hoc wireless connection which is causing me strife!

gdas_australia · Answer

Rick,

Thank you for your suggestion. Based on this I will abandon the whole idea of ad-hoc wireless communication which looked like a neat solution. Having said that I should have thought such communication would have started whilst both computers were up and running. Clearly I have not understood the process.

David

gdas_australia · Answer

Hi Rick,

I think you have pointed me in the right direction and I will follow through.

Working for Microsoft you may want to suggest their help files relating to this ad-hoc subject be updated so others can take advantage of your wisdom.

Over and out

David

PudgyOne · Answer

David,   I do not work for Microsoft or Dell, just recognized for my wisdom, I think. :emotion-5:   Take care,     Rick

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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