Need help fixing my computer, did something when i was trying to set up a network

I have a desktop and a laptop, i kept trying to make a home network so i can transfer files wirelessly, it kept telling me that i need to insert the Windows XP CD or make a Network CD to install, i just skipped it and i ended up quitting because i cant figure it out. Now when i turn on my laptop it instantly comes up with a windows error that says "A duplicate name exhists on the network" I dont know how i got this or what i can do to delete the messed up network i guess i created? I just want to get it all back to normal, thanks

 

Sounds like you gave both the same machine name. Right click on your my computer icon and edit that under computer name. Make sure both are in the same workgroup and you have shared folders. From there you should be able to browse to each machine through the network.

 

I dont see anywhere that says "Computer Name" when i right click my computer. Also how do i find a file when its shared? Im really clueless on this stuff, like if i have a file that i make shared, where do i find it on my other computer?

 

When you right click My Computer, click on Properties and then there should be a tab for Computer Name.

 

Ok i went into system and changed the computer name to "Home", it says my "Workgroup" name is "MSHOME" ...so im still wondering about my other question, how do i share files now that i guess i have them networked, where do i put the files and where do i go on my other computer to grab them? im lost on this, thanks

 

also its still giving me the error when i start up my laptop

 

I will assume you have a wireless router already. what OS are you running on each computer? you shouldn't need to install anything from your windows CD with windows XP.

At any rate, READ nickspohn's wireless networking guide. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=30162 This should give you allll the basics on setting things up.

make sure that the WORKGROUP field is the same for both computers. change it to something other than MSHOME, or not, but whatever, as long as it's the same on both computers.

make sure that the computer name field is different on each computer.

 

To change the Computer Name:

Right Click My Computer -> Properties -> Computer Name Tab -> Change
Change the Computer Name -> OK & Restart the computer

To change the Member Of:
Right Click My Computer -> Properties -> Computer Name Tab -> Change
Click on Workgroup -> Change to whatever you want, just make sure it's the same on your other computers

Now, I believe these need to be changed seperately, can't be changed at the same time as when you're changing the Computer Name.

Once these are set, you should be able to access your other computer with a couple methods.

1. Disable the Internet Connection Firewall
2. Share a Folder on your HDD (Right Click on a Folder -> Sharing -> Share This Folder -> Permissions -> Put check on Full Control (this will allow you to do everything in this folder)
3. From one computer, Click Start -> Run & type \\Computer_Name (whatever the name of the computer you want to connect to)
4. This should show you the shared folders on the system, just select the one you want and your set...you can now copy and delete files in this folder

Method 2 & I find easier:

1. Disable Firewall
2. Start -> Run & type \\IP Address\c$ (IP address of other computer) & click OK
3. This would show you the entire C: drive, you can now copy and delete files you want

Just one note...when you do any of this, you must have a password for your account (that you use to log into your computer). If not, you will not be able to access shares on a different computer without some more advanced modifications.

Good Luck!

-Vb-

 

This is where im getting confused, my computer does not have "Computer Name" tab, the only 2 tabs i have is "General" and "Shortcut"

 

That is because your "My Computer" is a shortcut on the desktop.

Do this...

Start -> Right Click "My Computer" -> Properties

go from there...

 

Awesome i finally figured it out, wow that was a lot harder than i thought, i always thought once you have the wireless connection you can just go into the other computer automatically on the same network. Thanks guys