Just bought a new computer, adding it to my network?

Question

I had a happy little network with a wirelessly connected laptop and an ancient dell desktop (which was wired and acted as the hub). Both ran XP.

I just bought another dell desktop and it runs Vista. I need to add it to the network, but I am confused about how to do it. The old desktop will remain in the network, but will not be the first one people chose to turn on.

Should I delete the old network and start again with the new desktop as the hub? If so...how?

I thought Vista set up a network - I was able to see the other two computers, but after I installed the printers I was no longer able to see them from the new computer.

I don't know where to begin. Should I set up a network starting with the new computer, and take the flash drive to the other computers? If I do that, what happens to the old network?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Xp and Vista will network together just fine.

1. Make sure when you run the network wizard on the new Vista machine that it's network is named the same (ie. MShome, Workgroup etc.).

2. Unplug the old XP machine from the router port 1 and plug it into port 2, then plug the new Vista machine into port 1 and you should be set.

If you are going to hook up the new machine wirelessly you will need to buy a wireless adapter for the new desk top. and run the install disk and you will be fine.