QUESTION: I have a desktop IBM compatible 512 MB RAM, 30G HD and a laptop 512 RAM, 80G HD wireless. I hooked up a Netgear wireless router. My desktop flashes "LAN not connected" periodically. I run Outlook on the desktop, but would like the laptop to be the default. I have a CD for Microsoft Money and when I try to set it up I get a message saying the computer must be connected to the Internet — which it is. There seems to be a configuration problem. I can't get updated e-mails from Outlook on the laptop either. I'm also trying to share a Epson Stylus C82 printer unsuccessfully. Help!
Something is certainly amiss in your networking! I have seen networking problems with routers which is usually cured by visiting the manufacturer's website, and downloading and installing the latest version of the router's firmware. Even if the router was just purchased, it may have been manufactured overseas many months ago (sort of like buying candy and finding out that it's stale 'cause it was made a year ago!).
Paul Basran
ANSWER: For your Microsoft Money problem, I agree with you on the probably configuration problem. There are two areas to check in Windows XP. First is START — CONTROL PANEL — INTERNET OPTIONS — CONNECTIONS — LAN SETTINGS. Uncheck the box for "Automatically detect settings". If that doesn't solve the problem, then also try START — CONTROL PANEL — NETWORK CONNECTIONS, and see if any of the connection icons has a small black check mark indicating that it is the default connection (could be an old dial-up connection). Right-click on that icon and select 'remove as default connection'.
Once the connection is correct, If you want your Outlook email on BOTH the desktop and the laptop (with the laptop as primary), you'll need to configure the Outlook settings to leave mail on the server (so the other machine may also get it). In Outlook 2003, this is done via TOOLS — EMAIL ACCOUNTS — VIEW/CHANGE — CHANGE — MORE SETTINGS — ADVANCED — Leave a copy of messages on the server. Search Outlook's on-line help for "leave a copy" for more details.
As far as printer sharing goes, make sure that your firewall settings allow file and printer sharing. To help things along, I always 'share' XP's "Shared Documents" folder (right-click on SHARED DOCUMENTS and select 'sharing'). If everything else is adjusted correctly, after you share the printer on the one XP machine, the other machine should soon show an "Auto Epson Stylus Printer" automatically networked for you by XP. Of course, make sure both XP systems have Service Pack 2 installed AND are setup for 'automatic updates' from Microsoft.
Nerds On Site Support Team and Globetechnology.com
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