Setting up remote access point

Ok, so I decided to finally work on this. I have a NP9262 and Inspiron 9300. Needless to say, my 9262 is my main machine. What I want to do with the 9300 is turn it into a remote access point for file sharing and such. I have a 750GB external I'm going to keep connected to it all the time. So just how do I do this? I've never done anything like this and don't even know what to search for. Oh and one more thing, I want to set it up such that the 9300 can share files with my 9262 as well as my PS3 (I think windows media player will do this, but I want something that will transfer information quickly instead of stream (don't want to try to stream HD, don't think the 9300 could keep up with the bit rate)). I'd like some direction on this. Thanks in advance.

Oh more important piece of info. I guess, I have a D-link 825 router. The PS3 is connected to the router via ethernet and the 9300 and 9262 use G and N respectively. I plan on getting another ethernet cable to go between the 9300 and the router.

 

You can simply setup a Adhoc network between the pieces. This way each device will work independently. Or simply setup file sharing on the 9300 for the other pc to access.

 

What operating system?

1) Make sure they are all in the same network and workgroup

2) Enable file sharing and start sharing the folders in your external drive

3) You should be able to see the computers and shared folders in "My Network"

4) Or you can map the network drive to My computer for easier access

 

Inspiron - XP
9262 - XP and Vista

I tried setting up an ad hoc before and was unsuccessful (I don't think I know what I'm doing). Could you please give me some more details?

 

Dont bother with AD-hoc, you might aswell use your router.

Ill assume both notebooks have connectivity to your router already meaning they are in the same network.

You will need to check both notebooks are in the same workgroup first.
-Start
-Right-click My Computer
-Go to the Computer Name tab
-Rename your workgroup to your choice or leave as default "WORKGROUP"

Aslong as both notebooks are in the same workgroup.

You then need to check My Network Places if the other notebook shows up.

 

Ok, both are set to WORKGROUP and connected to my router, unfortunately, neither laptop sees the other. Where do I go from here?

 

Hmm.. can you try pinging the notebooks with one another?

 

ok, you're speaking a foreign language to me... I'm sorry, but I don't have much experience when it comes to networking and communications with computers.

 

Try using the network wizard to connect both with the same settings(save it via a usb drive),and make sure that you have accounts setup on both/all computers(username & password) and make sure that the files you want to share are in fact shared.

 

You'll need to Share the external HDD on the Dell machine and give it the correct Sharing and Security permissions. (Such as Everyone Full Control if you're the only one connected to the network and stiff security isn't needed) Also, try creating a folder on the Dell machine and Share it....even if you're not going to use it.

If you can't see the Dell machine from the 9262 then this means either File and Printer Sharing isn't enabled or a Firewall is blocking this service.

When you've shared the HDD you should be able to connect to it by just doing a simple My Network Places browse for computers in the same Workgroup.

* You may want to create an identical user account that's on the 9262 on the Dell machine...but you might not have too.

BTW, What Operating Systems are the machines running?

 

Answered above...

Inspiron - XP
9262 - XP Pro and Vista Ultimate

I'll try some of the suggestions when I get home.

 

Okay...download and install THIS on the XP machine.

 

Ok excellent! After some fighting, I got the two computers to see each other. Next and final step, how do I access the 9300 remotely? I'd like to be able to run programs and stuff from the 9262 when I'm on the home network and when I'm elsewhere. Thanks in advance!

 

Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications > Remote Desktop

Enter the computer name or IP address.

I usually save a RDP to the desktop with auto login so its easier to access.

 

Yeah I actually figured it out, took me about 5 minutes. As long as the 9300 is connected to the network, I should be able to access it through the IP correct?

 

One more thing, can I transfer files through remote access or do I have to use file sharing for that?

 

Ok another thing, I'm playing with this remote access thing (rather fun actually) and I tried playing a song through windows media player. To my surprise, the music came through on my main machine (9262) however, I want it to be played from the 9300 (it's hooked up to my surround sound system). Anyway I can achieve this?

 

Yes correct.

No, you will need to do it via file sharing.

I suggest you map the shared folders to My Computer and paste a shortcut in your desktop

Go to My Computer > Tools > Map Network Drive

1)Choose any drive letter
2) Enter the IP address or computer name then the share name of the folder
eg. \\10.152.99.2\Shared or \\flipfire-pc\Shared

 

Excellent, any ideas on the sound issue?

 

When you open RDC,

Click on Options > Local Resources Tab.

All the settings will be there, enjoy.

 

Nevermind, figured it out, I should really try things out more before posting. Still, thanks for everybody's help. It's finally turning into what I've imagined it to be.

 

lol you beat me to it flipfire, thank you though. You've all been most helpful.

 

Ok, I finally had a chance to try accessing the Inspiron from a different network. Unfortunately, my attempts were unsuccessful. I put in the IP address into remote desktop and was unable to connect. What do I look into to remedy this? Thanks!

 

Your Public Internet IP Address provided by your ISP is most likely Dynamic and therefore would change daily. The easiest thing to do to get around this issue would be to sign up with DynDns.

Download the utility on the computer you want to access remotely; when you try to access the machine from elsewhere you will enter the domain name you chose in the RDC application. Such as quantum.homeip.net.

Edit: You may also need to set up rules to forward the RDC protocol 3389 on your modem/router. If you don't the connection coming into your network would most likely be blocked when you attempt to connect remotely.