Sharing files between PC and Mac over network

steveland?

Not sure whether this should be in the Mac, Windows, Wireless, Comp & Tech etc forum but I'm thinking since the Mac is the "non-standard" element here this would be the most suitable place to ask. Feel free to move if necessary.

Anyway, I have a PC connected up to my wireless router via Cat5 and my iBook G4 connected wirelessly to my network.

I have a 320GB external HDD hooked up to the PC and I'm wondering is there a way I can access the files on the external HDD and the PC's HDD via my network on my iBook?

I suppose I could invest in some sort of NAS thingy but don't want to have to spend any money at the moment.

Do I have to add the PC and Mac to a domain or something? Sorry, slightly new to network file-sharing, got it set up between two PCs once (I think just by accident...) but never with a Mac

babypink

you have to turn n sharing for each volume in windows.

From what I remember you right click on the drives in "my computer" and click sharing. Turn on sharing and give them a share name--ie delete the c$ or f$ and give some kind of name. The $ share name is a hidden admin share that won't appear in the network browser.

With any luck they should appear in the iBook network window

grizzly

Yeah first off you need to turn on file sharing in windows.

Open your control panels folder in the start menu, in the left pane choose classic view. Then open "Network Connections". In the left pane select "set up a home or small office network".

Using the "Network Setup Wizard"
This program may ask for a network port if ran for the first time, just select the right one. Windows may need to be restarted afterwards.

1. For "select connection method", choose "This computer connects through a residential gateway or through another computer on this network".
2. For "Give this computer a description and name", choose something you like this will be its name on the network.
3. For name your network. I think the default in OS X is "WORKGROUP" these names must match.
4. File and printer Sharing, select "turn on file and printer sharing"
5. Click next on ready to apply settings
6. For you're almost done, select "Just finish the wizard; I don't need to run the wizard on other computers.
7. Click finish

Now to make your hard drive available. Open "My Computer" right click on the hard drive you want to share and select "Sharing and Security".

1. Under the sharing tab click the text that states "If you understand the risks
but still want to share the root of the drive, click here".
2. Under the sharing tab, in the "Network sharing and security" box tick the boxes for "Share this folder on the network" and "allow network users to change my file" you can also set a "Share name" for this volume.
3. select "OK" or "apply"

Now the volume should be available for network users.

To connect to the Windows shared volume from your Mac.
http://tech.yahoo.com/gd/logging-int...-versa-/200481

If you are running a third party firewall in your PC you will need to specify the IP address of your router and a small IP range of your networks computers in it as a trusted zone. So that the firewall will allow connections.

If you are not running a firewall I would recommend downloading the basic free edition of "Zonealarm" it does wonder for your PC's safety. They also have a pay version "Zonealarm Pro" but this is only needed if you need to use your PC as a network bridge or if it is acting as a router with windows "Internet Connection Sharing"

You can also file share to the windows computer from your Mac.
1. Open system preferences
2. Click on sharing
3. In "Services" tick the "Windows Sharing" box
4. Click "Firewall" tab and make sure the firewall "windows sharing" box is checked.
5. quit system preferences

To check or change the network name in Mac OS X
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.h...en/mh1165.html

Edit: I forgot to mention this but you should set up a static IP address in your router for your Mac and PC. Check your manual on how to do so. I found this makes the sharing experience more reliable.

m_stan

Youc an do this much easier if you connect the drive to your Mac and use this free and easy util called sharepoints. I've done it and it works a treat.

steveland?

Wow, fairly comprehensive reply there grizzly. Cheers!

I'll give it a go tomorrow and see if I can't get it running.

m_stan, I have an iBook so I wanted to be able to leave the drive sitting on my desk with my PC and be able to wander around the house with access to my files without having to lug around an external drive. Cheers for the suggestion though.

Edit: worked perfectly grizzly. Thanks!