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I'm frustrated with my computer's.  I have a new Dell Laptop Inspiron and an Hp desktop about 2 or 3 yrs old.  I want to network them together and be able to use my printer with the laptop.  I have struggle throught all the steps but just can not figure this out.  What I think I need is a wireless adapter for  each computer but not sure.  Anybody help me with this or have any suggestions.  Thanks for your help.

klbf · Answer

@maude51 wrote:

I'm frustrated with my computer's. I have a new Dell Laptop Inspiron and an Hp desktop about 2 or 3 yrs old. I want to network them together and be able to use my printer with the laptop. I have struggle throught all the steps but just can not figure this out. What I think I need is a wireless adapter for each computer but not sure. Anybody help me with this or have any suggestions. Thanks for your help.

you will need a router, to connect your desktop to, probably through a ethernet cable, and a wireless adapter for your laptop..

on the pc the printer is on you will want to enable printer sharing..

heres some linkys

http://www.geekgirls.com/windowsxp_home_network.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/default.mspx

how to enable printer sharing on a network linky
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1596

plus google has many more linkys with a simple search

My Web Site

klbf · Answer

@maude51 wrote:

Thanks so much. So, the router goes to the desktop and the wireless adapter goes to the laptop. How are these connected - through the wireless adapter? I'll check out your links. Thanks so much!! Your website is very nice!!

have a look here

http://www.cheapcomputerdeal.com/images/wireless%20graphic.jpg
http://www.tmmworld.com/tmmgame/game_images/network.jpg

your desktop probably already has a network port.. so all you need is some cable..

I would probably go wireless with your laptop, either a usb adapter or wireless PCMCIA card...

... as for my site thanks!...

My Web Site

maude51 · Answer

Thanks so much.  So, the router goes to the desktop and the wireless adapter goes to the laptop.  How are these connected - through the wireless adapter?  I'll check out your links.  Thanks so much!!  Your website is very nice!!

maude51 · Answer

Okay, I have the router picked out.  You said either the usb adapter or the pcmcia card but not both.  Which do you prefer?  The first site was great - made since to me.  Thanks again.

jmwills · Answer

I'd take the PCMCIA, simply becasue of better reception.

Gina Q · Answer

Maude51   Before you purchase a wireless please check your system to see if you might have an internal already in your system since many Dell portable systems are configure with wireless. You can click this link and enter your Service Tag to see the original configuration. You will need to be using the Inspiron for the link to find your configuration.

maude51 · Answer

Thanks Gina, Yes, I did check with Dell and I do have an internal wireless set up.  So, they helped me with what I needed.  I just hope when I get it I can install everything right.  Thanks for you help.

jmwills · Answer

Setup tutorials are here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/maintain/troubleshoot.mspx http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/default.mspx

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