Home network with Windows XP with Ethernet cable

Question

At home I have my Dell Inspiron laptop and a desk PC with printer attached. I use Windows XP on both and they are plugged into a Netgear Router. I would have thought I could connect these in a network with the Windows network setup wizard. I want to print straight from my laptop (when the PC and printer are switched on of course). On the Inspiron the wizard does not find any shared internet connection -it only comes up with the wireless connection I do not use.   Under Network Connections my broadband connection says my network adaptor is the Broadcom Integrated Controller. This connection works.   I'm sorry to be so ignorant but what am I missing?   Do I need the Dell Network Assistant? I did try the trial version some months but a quick try with that did not get me anywhere and I now cannot try it again.   Thank you for your help. I hope the answer is not too technical!

PETER345 · Answer

I don't know about using the wizard. I find I can connect to a local network with a router and to the Internet just by attaching the Ethernet cable. The connections all happen automatically.

Possibly there is something wrong in the wired connection. Do you get link lights on both ends?

Peter

retsdj · Answer

I'm not sure what you mean by link lights. The internet connections work fine and the lights on the router work. As you say, there should be no problem. My son has recently arrived in the house and attached his Mac to the router also and his Mac can't see our computers either. Thanks for replying. Sarah

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Home network with Windows XP with Ethernet cable

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