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Hey guys I have just bought a new computer running Windows XP and I want to network it with my old computer which is running on Windows 2000 Professional Edition. I also bought an AirLink 54Mbps Wireless-G router, and I wanted to know how I would be able to network between the 2 computers.

The new computer is an AMD Athlon 2400+ Processor
The old computer is an Celeron 800Mhz.

Thanks for the help.

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For — a concise, practical checklist that builds on the links posted by , and and fills the common gaps for an XP ↔ Win2000 home setup.

Start simple: connect the old Celeron to the AirLink with an Ethernet cable if possible — it’s the fastest way to get both machines on the same LAN and removes wireless-driver headaches. If you must use wireless on the Windows 2000 box, fit a supported 802.11b/g adapter and install the vendor driver/utility (Windows 2000 typically needs vendor utilities; XP added the Windows “zero‑config” wireless manager). (flylib.com)

Router (one-time) setup — do this from a wired PC:

  • log into the router web UI (check the label/manual or use ipconfig to find the gateway),
  • set a clear SSID,
  • pick WPA2‑PSK with AES if the router supports it (avoid WEP), and use a long passphrase,
  • change the router admin password, disable remote admin, and keep firmware updated. These are baseline hardening steps. (csrc.nist.gov)

Client setup and file sharing:

  • On XP use the Wireless Network Setup Wizard or the Wireless Networks tab and make sure the Wireless Zero Configuration service is running. On Win2K use the adapter vendor utility or connect wired. (learn.microsoft.com)
  • In both PCs enable “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks,” put both machines in the same Workgroup name, and allow File/Printer Sharing through any software firewall. Test connectivity with:
    ipconfig /all
ping <other-pc-IP>

    If ping fails, recheck IPs, firewalls, and that both are on the same subnet. (learn.microsoft.com)

Troubleshooting & notes:

  • If shares don’t appear, access by IP: \\192.168.x.y\sharename.
  • Windows XP’s “Simple File Sharing” and the Guest/ForceGuest behavior can affect access; creating matching local user accounts and passwords on both machines often fixes permission prompts. (learn.microsoft.com)

These steps prioritize reliability (wired where useful), modern Wi‑Fi security (WPA2+AES), and the small‑OS quirks you’ll hit when mixing XP and Win2K.

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Yea. Ok I am looking into those sites now. Thanks.

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