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In this document:
Set up a local network and file sharing
Accessing shared files and directories
Error: Logon unsuccessful
Error: \\
This document pertains to desktop computers installed with Windows Vista Basic, Premium or Ultimate.
Windows Vista supports connection of multiple desktop computers in a home network. Connecting multiple desktop computers in a network can be a convenient way to share files in the home. This document provides instructions for setting up and sharing folders and files on a wired home network.
Set up a local network and file sharing
Use the steps in this section to set up home network using standard RJ-45 hardware and cables.
NOTE: When using steps involving Windows, log in using the main administrative account. Normally this is the first account that was created when the computer was first turned on.
Step 1: Before you begin
Confirm that you have the following hardware and follow these steps:
Disconnect the Internet. If you have a DSL or cable modem, disconnect it.
Disable any firewall software. Firewall software may interfere with network setup. You can enable the firewall after network setup is complete.
Network interface card (NIC) or an on-the-motherboard network port for each computer. HP and Compaq computers are network ready with NICs installed. Confirm the computer has a RJ-45 network port on the back.
Figure 1: Shape of RJ-45 connector
Network hub (or router). A separate network hub may not be necessary if your home is already equipped with RJ-45 jacks in the walls or if your DSL or cable modem provides RJ-45 ports (select models). If you need a network hub, consult with a network specialist at your local computer store to determine a hub that meets your needs.
NOTE: A crossover cable can be used to connect two computers without a hub. However, it only allows two computers to connect and is not expandable.
Network cables for each computer.
Step 2: Connect the network hardware and cables
Do the following to set up the network hardware and connect the networking cables.
Set up and turn on the power for the network hub or other networking device. (Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer).
Connect the computers to the networking device. If a crossover cable is used, connect the cable to the RJ45 network ports on each computer.
Figure 2: Example of one possible setup configuration
Connect the computer power cords and turn the computer on.
Step 3: Turn on Network discovery and file sharing
Turn on Network discovery and file sharing on each computer that you want to access on the network.
NOTE: If you are using an account that does not have administrator rights, you will be prompted several times by User Account Control for permission to continue.
Click Start , and select Network. The Network window opens and displays the following message:
Network discovery and file sharing are turned off. Network computers and devices are not visible. Click to change...
Click the message. A drop down list displays.
Select Turn on network discovery and file sharing.
NOTE: Network discovery and file sharing automatically turns off every time the computer restarts. After Windows Vista starts, you must repeat this step to access computers on the network.
Figure 3: Network discovery setting
The Network discovery and file sharing window displays. Select No, make the network that I am connected to a private network.
Figure 4: Network discovery and file sharing
Computers detected on the network are displayed. Only computers with network discovery and file sharing enabled are viewable. The following figure shows that computers DesktopA and DesktopB have network discovery and file sharing on, and that they are both connected to the same local area network.
Figure 5: Network window
To set up shared public folder, shared printing, and password protected shared folders, click Network and Sharing Center.
NOTE: If you are using an account that does not have administrator rights, you will be prompted several times by User Account Control windows for permission to continue.
The Network and Sharing Center window displays.
Figure 6: Link to Network and Sharing Center
Click the down-arrow button to change the settings.
Figure 7: Network and Sharing Center: Down arrow button
Network discovery and File sharing must always be on or computers will not be able to detect each other on the network. Select from the following options:
Public folder sharing
Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can open files.
Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can open, change and create files.
Turn off sharing.
Printer sharing. Printer sharing is active only when a printer is detected.
Turn on sharing.
Turn off sharing.
Password protected sharing. Use password protected sharing when you wish to limit shared folders access to specific people.
Turn on password protected sharing.
Turn off password protected sharing.
Media sharing
Turn on media sharing.
Turn off media sharing.
Step 4: Sharing drives, folders, and files
To share non-public folders, do the following:
Click Vista Start button and select Computer.
Browse to the folder you want to share.
Right-click the folder and select Share.
The File Sharing window displays.
Click the down arrow and select the user you want to share with and click Add.
NOTE: You may be prompted several times by User Account Control for permission to continue. You must accept these Windows to make the necessary changes.
Figure 8: File Sharing window showing Reader access for Everyone
Click the down arrow under Permission Level to set read-only or make changes to the shared folder.
Click Share and Done.
Step 5: Testing the network
Open the Windows Vista network window and browse through the shared folders in each computer on the network. If the computer is able to read and access files from a remote computer, the remote computer is set up correctly. Browse to every available computer from each computer on the network. If there are any issues, go back through these steps and verify that the settings are correct.
If you are unsure how to browse shared folders or are experiencing difficulties, refer to the section Accessing shared files and directories .
When all computers are able to network to each other computer on the network, continue to the next step.
Step 6: Enable Internet access and firewalls
Once you have verified that your home network is capable of transferring files, connect and enable Internet connections for computers with Internet access.
CAUTION: Make sure that each computer with Internet access is well protected from security threats. At the minimum, each computer should have its Internet connection protected with a firewall and Windows should be updated with the latest critical updates from Microsoft Windows Update. If malicious activity comes though one computer, the activity can quickly spread through the entire network.
Accessing shared files and directories
Do the following to access shared files and directories:
Ensure network discovery and file sharing is turned On.
Click Start , and select Network.
The Network window opens and displays computers with shared folders that are detected on local networks.
Figure 9: Computers on the network with shared folders
Double-click the computer you want to access.
If Password Protection is enabled for the shared computer the following window displays:
Figure 10: Username and password prompt
Type in the user name and password of the account with permission to access the shared computer.
NOTE:
Make sure to follow the required format of Computername\username.
Make sure the type of account you are using is allowed on the computer you are connecting to.
See the following sections for resolutions to possible login errors:
Error: Logon unsuccessful
Error: \\[Computer name] not accessible
Error: Logon unsuccessful
When accessing shared files or directories the following error message window may display:
Figure 11: Logon Unsuccessful
This error is caused by the following:
The user account does not exist.
The account is already logged in locally.
Account User_1 is locally logged into computer DesktopA and then tries to access computer DesktopA as User_1 from computer DesktopB.
NOTE: If an account is not already logged in locally (Windows is open at the login screen), multiple people can use it to access the share at the same time with no errors.If no one is logged into computer DesktopA, User_1, User_2, and User_3 can access computer DesktopA from any networked computer at the same time.
To resolve the error, verify the following:
The user account exists on the computer.
The computer name and user name are spelled correctly.
The login account/name you are using is not already in use on the computer you are trying to access.
Error: \\
When accessing shared files or directories the following error message window may display:
Figure 12: Computer is not accessible
This error can be caused by the following:
Password Protection is On and the Guest account is On.
The user account does not have permission to access the share. This typically occurs when specific permissions are set up on systems with multiple share folders.
In the following illustration, computer DesktopA allows User_1 access to User_1_Shared_Folder. The error message displays if User_1 tries to access a User_2_Shared_Folder because User_1 does not have permission to access User_2_Shared_Folder.
NOTE: Notice that Windows Vista file sharing displays all the shared folders, even those you do not have permission to access.
Figure 13: Multiple shared folders
To resolve the error, verify the following:
The user account has the proper permissions to access the computer.
The computer name and user name are spelled correctly.
Ensure that Firewall software on any connected computer is set to allow access.
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