How can I set up newtork? - I have a wireless router w/o a USB port

Question

I have a Westell Versalink Router that I got from Verizon when I got DSL.  I can use it to access my HP 3210 printer from any computer in the house by using the wizard provided with the HP software package.  I tried creating an in-home network but have been unsuccesful.  I have a laptop and a second computer - both with NetGear wireless network cards.   A few days ago I went ahead and downloaded the trial version of Dell Network Assistant because ot the Dell Hype that it makes a simple task of setting up a network.  Not for me.  To begin with, there's no documentation with DNA.  On startup it says that my network is healthy or something to that effect.  I also accessed a function that asks what files that I want to share over my network, so I put in a few for testing purposes.  However, I can see nothing from my remote computers.  No network.   I gave up on DNA and tried using the Windows Wireless Network Wizard from Control Panel.  It walked me to a step where it said that the simplest way is with a flash drive.  I have one, so I clicked that option.  I get to the step that says to insert the flash drive into the USB port on the router.  My router has several additional Ethernet ports but no USB ports.  So I try the other option (that doesn't use flash drive) and the wizard prints out a 26-digit number that I should be able to use in the remote computers to link them all together.  I use the wizard on the first remote computer and again - nothing.   I'm practically certain that I have all the hardware and software that I need, but setting up a network apparently assumes some knowledge of something that I should know about.  Like anything, it'll be simple once I get it figured out.  But I'm at a dead-end now and need some help.   Thanks Message Edited by Lee Beck on 11-08-2006 09:09 AM

_Paladin · Answer

Lee Beck,

Your Versalink router from Verizon is a modem and router combination unit. You do not need any additional equipment, nor do you need a router with a USB port.

Your PCs already form a network. You just need to configure them for file sharing. Here's a list of links (developed by forum regular jmwills) to help you configure the PCs:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/maintain/troubleshoot.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/default.mspx
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/howto/
http://www.theeldergeek.com/quick_guide_to_simple_file_sharing.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/default.mspx
http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

jmwills · Answer

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/maintain/troubleshoot.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/default.mspx
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/howto/
http://www.theeldergeek.com/quick_guide_to_simple_file_sharing.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/default.mspx
http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

lbeck02 · Answer

Your PCs already form a network.  You just need to configure them for file sharing. INteresting.  I guess that you surmise that because I can see the INternet from all 3 computers.  I'll now try to concentrate on figuring out howto share files between the computers.   I've uninstalled Dell Network Assistant.  I couldn't see where it was helping and I don't like the way that it hijacks my computer at every startup.. I tried to disable the program from starting at startup and it starts up anyway.   Thanks to you both.

jmwills · Answer

Make sure you do not have a third party firewall blocking the connections.  Most people overlook this.

jmwills · Answer

The XP firewall will allow when you turn on File & Print Sharing, Norton has to be configure manually.

lbeck02 · Answer

Thanks.  I don't think that I have thoroughly looked into that potential.  I do have Norton installed and I believe that XP has a firewall also.   I would have thought that there would be some sort of error pop-up or something in one of the wizards that I have used to warn me of a firewall found, but I guess the setup/startup programs aren't that sophisticated yet.   I'll check the firewall option out.  I'm thinking that there probably is an option to 'allow' certain access.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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