Peer to Peer Networking
This page is a simple guide to peer to peer networking, written
with beginners in mind. I will explain how to network two computers together.
Most information on this page is based on the network that I hooked up
in my house.
MS-Dos
To configure your computer, follow the instructions in the first
section. If you want to be able to share files also, then when you are
done with the first section, follow the instructions in the second section
also.
The following section will describe how to set up your computer as
a client.
-
Download from Microsoft: dsk3-1.exe
and dsk3-2.exe.
These files are also available from my Tripod site: dsk3-1.exe dsk3-2.exe
- Move these files into a temporary directory and run. They will unpack
into some setup files. Run 3-1 first and then 3-2. Press Y when you are
asked to overwrite files.
- Run setup.exe
- Choose your network directory
- Choose a user name, etc.
- You should now be in the main configuration screen that lists your
setup options.
- You will most likely want
to select "Setup Options" and change the Redir to "Basic
Redirector", unless you need to log on to an NT domain.
- The rest of the "Setup Options" should be self explanatory.
- Go to the main configuration screen and select "Network Configuration"
- Your network adapter should show up in the top box.
- Tab to the upper box and select "NWLink IPX Compatible Transport"
- Tab to the lower box and select "Remove"
- Setup will then ask for a protocol. Select Microsoft NetBEUI.
- You may need to configure your adapter by selecting "Change Settings"
When your adapter is highlighted. You can change IRQ, IO Address, DMA Channel,
etc.
- Accept all of your options when you are done and Setup will do the
rest.
- When you restart your computer, you should be ready to access other
computers.
- Run net.exe (located in located in your network directory)
- For a list of available options, run net /?
- The rest should be self explanatory.
- Updates: Osmo Vuorio has informed me that there is an update
available for this DOS client. If you have been experiencing problems with
file corruption or truncation, you may want to try out this update. Simply
download the following software update, and use it to replace the NET.EXE,
NET.MSG, and NETH.MSG files in your network directory.
See Microsoft knowledge base Q129164 for more information on the problem and
the solution. Note: This Microsoft knowledge base article and update
are no longer available from the Microsoft web site. However, Steve Sybesma
has informed me that an archive of the page is still available
here. The actual download is available from my Tripod site:
nnet.exe.
The following section will describe how to share files from your computer.
- Download wg1049.exe.
Also available directly from Microsoft: wg1049.exe.
This file is also available from my Tripod site: wg1049.exe
- Move this file into your network directory and run. Overwrite all files
when prompted.
- Now you have to make some configuration changes.
- Make sure you have the Share.exe file in your DOS directory. Then,
add this line (unless it is already there) to your config.sys file in your
root directory
- install=c:\dos\share.exe
- Then edit the system.ini file that is located in your network directory.
There should be two lines near the beginning of this file that read something
like filesharing=no and printsharing=no.
Change both of these to yes.(Unless you don't
want to share these resources)
- You should now be ready to share resources.
- Change directories into your network directory.
- Type net share /?
- This gives good directions on how to share resources and tells you
about the options that you have.
- Share your resources now.
- All resources that you share will be remembered for next time you start
up your computer.
- To start sharing each time you boot up, you should be able to type
net share. It would probably be more convenient
to put that line in your autoexec.bat file to do it automatically.
That should be all you need to start a network between two computers.
If I have left anything out, did not describe something very clearly, or
if you have any questions, feel free to send me email at: brights@winfordeng.com
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