Windows 7: trying to network 2 pc's together - anyone help?

Hi Guys,

Ive tried several things today but im concerned that its just not possible.

I have one pc running windows 7 and another pc running xp pro. Is it actually possible to have both the PC's on the same LAN so that i can share a database application?

Thanks in advnace.

It is absolutely possible. We need more information to help. what is your network setup? what have you already tried? etc

It is absolutely possible. We need more information to help. what is your network setup? what have you already tried? etc

Ok basically both pc's are hard wired into a bt home hub. I then followed the below steps that i found on the web.. i slightly modified them as the set up is a little different within windows 7. I keep getting a DHCP issue error msg and neither pc is able to connect to internet once ive gone through these steps..

I have followed the below steps..

PC1
1. Just right-click “My Computer” and click Properties.
2. Select the “Computer Name” tab and click the “Change” button.
3. Change the computer name to whatever you want, here we name it PC1. Change the workgroup to WG. (The workgroup name should be the same in both computers)
4. Click OK.
Now, to configure the TCP/IP connection settings,
1. Goto “Control Panel” >> “Network connections”
2. Right-click on your LAN connection and click “Properties”. In the “General” tab, select “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)”. Click the “Properties” button.
3. Set the Values
IP Address – 192.168.0.1
Subnet Mask – 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway – 192.168.0.2
4. Click OK and you are done for PC1.

PC2
Now, to configure the TCP/IP connection settings,
1. Goto “Control Panel” >> “Network connections”
2. Right-click on your LAN connection and click “Properties”. In the “General” tab, select “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)”. Click the “Properties” button.
3. Set the Values
IP Address – 192.168.0.2
Subnet Mask – 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway – 192.168.0.1
4. Click OK and you are done for PC2 as well.

Did you try setting up a work network in the Network Sharing Center ?

ok from network and sharing center

Under View your basic network information and connections:
PC1 to muyltiple networks to internet - now all connected and working

under view your active networks:
1. Home Network - Access Type: Internet - home group joined
HomeGroup: Joined
Connections: LAN

2. Unidentified n-work - access type: Internet
Connections: LAN

When i click on the LAN connection properties: under internet protocal 4(TCP/IPv4) im 'obtaining an IP address automatically' and it shows the default gateway 192.168.0.1

previously when i changed from obtain ip automtically to my manually imputted i lost the internet connection.

Am i best to delete all networks and start a fresh? Anyone got a simple process i could try please?

Main computer is Windows 7

secondary computers both running Windows Pro

THANKS!

You want to leave the HOMEGROUP & create a work network for sharing with XP computers. HomeGroup works with other Windows 7 computers!



Homegroup - Leave


Then check thes network options:

ok left the home group and back in network and sharing center. i can from the home network create a home group or i can go to the unidentifed network. what is the next step so i can 'then check these network options'? THANKS

You want to create a Work Network then set up the sharing options.

Hello myheadhurt, I have outlined a few of the mistakes which hopefully will help you set up your static IP's.

PC1
1. Just right-click “My Computer” and click Properties.
2. Select the “Computer Name” tab and click the “Change” button.
3. Change the computer name to whatever you want, here we name it PC1. Change the workgroup to WG. (The workgroup name should be the same in both computers)
4. Click OK.
Now, to configure the TCP/IP connection settings,
1. Goto “Control Panel” >> “Network connections”
2. Right-click on your LAN connection and click “Properties”. In the “General” tab, select “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)”. Click the “Properties” button.
3. Set the Values
IP Address – 192.168.0.1 < You are using the default gateway as your IP address here which is incorrect.
Subnet Mask – 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway – 192.168.0.2 <This isn't correct, the default gateway needs to be the same on both machines and should be 192.168.0.1
4. Click OK and you are done for PC1.

PC2
Now, to configure the TCP/IP connection settings,
1. Goto “Control Panel” >> “Network connections”
2. Right-click on your LAN connection and click “Properties”. In the “General” tab, select “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)”. Click the “Properties” button.
3. Set the Values
IP Address – 192.168.0.2 < this is incorrect, both PC's need a different IP in the proper range, usually starts at 192.168.0.100>199 range.
Subnet Mask – 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway – 192.168.0.1 <This is the correct default gateway, this needs to be the same for both machines.
4. Click OK and you are done for PC2 as well.

And as Docbrown mentioned you will want to set up a Workgroup for this network.

ah ha, got it! well almoust, its asking me for user name and password to access PC2.. i havent got anything set up to my knowledge... any ideas?