# I forgot how to network my laptop w/my desktop.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-forgot-how-to-network-my-laptop-w-my-desktop/534976>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 5, 2010, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-forgot-how-to-network-my-laptop-w-my-desktop/534976 "2010-04-05T02:42:59Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2010, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-forgot-how-to-network-my-laptop-w-my-desktop/534976/1 "2010-04-05T02:42:59Z")

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I have an old HP with XP Professional. I have a new hp laptop, with Windows 7. I want to print a doc. that I have on the laptop. So, I forgot how to network the two. I have a WRT 54g wireless router. In truth, it seems like there are two or three names, and I don’t know for sure what my network is named. So, can you help me get a hookup going?  
Thanks,  
hh

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**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2010, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-forgot-how-to-network-my-laptop-w-my-desktop/534976/2 "2010-04-05T03:20:36Z")

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on the old XP pc right click on My Computer, properties and click the computer name tab.

you’ll see the computer name and workgroup name. It’s unlikely you have a domain, unless you’re running a server.

These days, most home routers support DHCP. There’s really nothing to enter anymore. The ip, gateway etc. are entered by DHCP

on XP right click Network Places, properties top of the left panel is Create A New Connection  
the wizard will guide you. Make certain you use DHCP

I’d hope Win 7 works the same.

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**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2010, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-forgot-how-to-network-my-laptop-w-my-desktop/534976/3 "2010-04-05T03:26:28Z")

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I always get networking setup first plugged into the Router. Then, I unplug and get my wireless setup.

FAIK they still include LAN cards in all new pc’s. I wouldn’t buy one without a LAN card and a wireless connection.

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**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2010, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-forgot-how-to-network-my-laptop-w-my-desktop/534976/4 "2010-04-05T04:23:02Z")

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> [@aceplace57](#):
>
> on the old XP pc right click on My Computer, properties and click the computer name tab.
> 
> you’ll see the computer name and workgroup name. It’s unlikely you have a domain, unless you’re running a server.
> 
> These days, most home routers support DHCP. There’s really nothing to enter anymore. The ip, gateway etc. are entered by DHCP
> 
> on XP right click Network Places, properties top of the left panel is Create A New Connection  
> the wizard will guide you. Make certain you use DHCP
> 
> I’d hope Win 7 works the same.

I’m right beholdin’ to ye!

Thanks,  
hh

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**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2010, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-forgot-how-to-network-my-laptop-w-my-desktop/534976/5 "2010-04-05T04:59:51Z")

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[Sharing printers under XP and Win](http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-7/share-files-and-printers-between-windows-7-and-xp/)7