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49100
November 27th, 2012 01:00
Ad-hoc wireless connection between Windows 7 and Windows XP computers...
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
9 Legend
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30.3K Posts
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November 28th, 2012 03:00
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
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30.3K Posts
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November 27th, 2012 12:00
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
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30.3K Posts
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November 27th, 2012 14:00
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
6 Posts
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November 27th, 2012 14:00
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
6 Posts
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November 27th, 2012 14:00
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
6 Posts
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November 27th, 2012 20:00
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
6 Posts
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November 28th, 2012 19:00
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
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30.3K Posts
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November 29th, 2012 13:00
David,
I do not work for Microsoft or Dell, just recognized for my wisdom, I think. :emotion-5:
Take care,
Rick