Connect the computer to the local network windows 7. Create and configure a local network. Checking network card and workgroup settings

When there are two or more computers in a home or office, there will certainly be a need to copy a large amount of information from one PC to another. This can be done using a regular flash drive, but depending on the volume, the process can be quite laborious. This problem can be solved only by setting the local computer network and then we will look at how to create and configure a local network between computers in the Windows operating system.

Starting with Windows Vista, it has become difficult for users to figure out how to create a local network between two computers with the ability to exchange files, since the security policy has changed a lot. Next, we will analyze how to configure a network between computers running the operating room windows systems 7, and the exact same settings must be made in Windows Vista, Windows 8 and even Windows 10.

Ways to connect computers to create a local network

The easiest way to create a network between two computers is to connect them together with a cable. twisted pair RJ45, but it can also be done by wireless Wi-Fi. A crossover cable is used to connect a computer to a computer, but since modern network cards automatically adapt to a straight or crossover cable, we will not dwell on this issue.

The process of setting up a local network between two computers

We now turn to setting up a computer network. For this we go "Control Panel \\ Network and Internet \\ Network and Sharing Center \\ Change adapter settings" and go to the properties of our local connectionby clicking on it right click mouse and selecting the appropriate menu item.

In the window "Connection by local network - properties " select item Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4) and go to its properties.

In the next window, you must specify the IP address and subnet mask. The subnet mask will be the same on all computers "255.255.255.0" and in this form it is set automatically by default, but the IP address on all computers should differ only in the last sets of numbers, i.e. if the first computer has an IP address "192.168.1.10", then on the second computer instead of the number "ten" must be any number from "1" before "255" other than the number already used "ten".

If several computers are connected through a router, then you can use the item "Obtain an IP address automatically" since the router will already be configured with a range of addresses that it will issue to computers when connected.

After that, go to "Network and Sharing Center" and check that our network is private and change the settings if necessary. In Windows 7 as private network should choose "Home network", and to change this setting, click on the current network name.

When you select a home network, you will be immediately prompted to share some folders.

Next, in the Network and Sharing Center, select the menu item "Change extra options general access"And set the following items in the settings:
- "Enable network discovery";
- "Enable file and printer sharing";
- "Enable Sharing so that network users can read and write files in shared folders";
- "Disable sharing with password protection»

We have already made the basic settings of the local computer network between the two computers and it remains only to make sure that all computers belong to the same workgroup. For this we go "Control Panel \\ System and Security \\ System" and we check the working group of each computer, setting the same everywhere.

Sharing files and folders on the local network

After all these numerous settings, you can now start sharing selected folders or the disk partition as a whole. To do this, go to the properties of a folder or disk by selecting "Properties" from the menu after right-clicking on the folder, and select on the tab "Access" paragraph "Advanced setup ...".

In advanced settings, check the box opposite "Share this folder", set the name of the shared resource and select the item "Permissions".

Set the required access rights in the permissions. In our case, full access is organized for everyone.

Then we close the last two windows while saving the settings, in the folder properties go to the tab "Safety" and press the button "Change ...", and in the next window Add... In the window that appears, write "Everything" and save. Returning to the security change window, select our new group "Everything" and give it full access.

The principle of creating a local network in any windows versions (XP, 7, 8, 10) practically nothing is not different... The exceptions are complex multi-layered corporate networks that use multiple subnets, proxy servers and VPNs.

But in this article we will look at how to create home network, without resorting to buying expensive equipment, but using a regular switch or router with Wi-Fi support.

What is needed to create a network

First of all, to create a local network from a certain number of computers, we need equipment:

note: in the event that a direct connection will be used (i.e. twisted pair insert into both devices without using a router), then you need not standard cable, and cross— over, unless modern network cards with MDI-X support are installed. In this case, you can use the standard crimp method.

How to create a local network

Now we proceed directly to the creation. First, we need to prepare:

Install all the equipment in its place - computers, routers, etc.
Crimp cable, if necessary.
We do wiring, i.e. stretching the twisted pair cable to the equipment.
We connect twisted pair equipment.

Worth notethat when the connection is made and all devices are started, the connection connectors on the computers should shine... The same applies to routers with routers, only their bulbs are located on front panel... If any light is off, then the connection is made wrong.

When the connection is made, you need to configure the network in the operating system.

To start check working group, for which we go to the properties " Of my computer". You can not open properties, but use the combination Win+ R and enter in the window sysdm. cpl.

On all devices working group must be is the sameotherwise the computers won't see each other.

To change the group, just click on the button change and enter the group name. Name must be entered in Latin, and match on all devices.

Then we look for network icon in the notification area and with its help we get to Network and Sharing Center.

Here we are interested in the link changing additional parameters, it is third from the left and will allow you to edit the sharing options. In each profile we select: Enable network discovery, autotuning and general access to files and printers.

Scrolling page and below turn off shared access with password protection. All other settings can be left. Push Save change and exit.

This completes the setup. The network should work, but only if your router distributes dynamic addresses.

If a router was used, or the devices were connected directly with a cable, then a few more settings must be made.

Network settings

When direct connection or using a router, we need change ip-addresses of computers. For this necessary:

We will not describe what each setting is responsible for, since this is a fairly voluminous topic. It is enough to enter the addresses described above on all computers.

After making all the above settings, the network should work. However, keep in mind that a firewall or antivirus can completely block the network. Therefore, if nothing worked, check their settings or temporarily disable them altogether.

Local network via WiFi router

Setting up a network through a router is absolutely nothing is not different from what we described above.

If the device is configured to dispense dynamic addresses, the addresses do not need to be changed. Well, if the IPs static, you will have to use the previous section.

Also, there will be no difference between the device being connected by cable or via Wi-Fi, in most routers the setting for the distribution of addresses is configured simultaneously and on wireless and on wired connection.

How to make shared folders

After everything is configured, you need to create shared folders for information exchange.

Hello! Today's time is passing, and computers are no longer perceived as a luxury. As technology advances and user-friendly operating systems emerge, every family member may have a laptop or personal computer.

The PC helps children in their studies, the elderly can communicate with distant relatives and friends whom they cannot meet, and adults use technology both in work and for entertainment. To make it easier to use multiple computers in a home, you can create a local area network between "machines". In today's article I will tell you - How to set up a local network between two computers.

This does not require special skills. You only need to purchase two cables (or more, depending on the number of machines) and a router that you most likely already have. In this article, we will consider a quick and reliable way to create a local network for laptops and personal computers, and also figure out how to "distribute" the Internet on a local network.

Reasons: create a local area network between computers

If a user accidentally stumbled upon this article, then he most likely has a question: "Why bother connecting computers to each other?" I will give the following arguments:

1. The ability to quickly share files. This is perhaps the most useful function on the local network. If you need to quickly transfer any files from one computer to another, then using a local network it will be the fastest. You will not need to look for flash drives, wait for recording, send files via e-mail etc. The speed of data transfer between computers is the highest.

2. Internet distribution. Let's imagine that you don't have a router, but cable internet connected to only one computer. If you connect the devices with a cable, then the Internet can appear on both computers.

3. Online play, collaborative using hard disk of both computers. You can take necessary information from another PC and vice versa.

Typically, the local network includes 2-3 "machines". If you distribute the Internet from one device to 3-4 computers, then the speed will be low on all computers.

The methods described below are suitable for both laptops and computers, but on portable devices present Wi-Fi module, which greatly simplifies the process of creating a local network. We will explore these methods in detail.

Before connecting computers on a local network, you need to make sure that both machines have network cards. If this modern computers (not older than 10 years), then you don't need to check - the element is embedded in motherboard... This also applies to laptops. Now about the cables: for each computer you need to buy a cable that is crimped according to the "computer-router" scheme.

The connection "router + computer + computer" is optimal, as the local network will function properly. By connecting two devices directly with one computer-to-computer cable, you only get common networkthere will be no internet access.

It is also worth making sure that there are drivers for the network cards. To do this, right-click on the "My Computer" icon. Select the "Properties" item in the list, as shown in the screenshot.

We go to the "Device Manager" section and view the list.

We find in the list the section “ Network adapters". On the computer taken as an example, the network card and modules are working properly. If there are no drivers, then the device will be unknown, opposite it there will be an icon exclamation mark against the background of a yellow triangle. If you have it, then just click on the device and click "Update Driver". Check on both computers.

Now we connect cables to computers: one end to the network card connector, the other to the router. As a result, you will have a network. Wait for the identification of connected devices to complete.

Of course, in addition to these cables, the main cable must also be connected to the router, through which the Internet will go. On some routers, the main cable connection point is highlighted or marked, in other models there is no difference between the connectors at all. Determine which "machine" will be the main one.

We go to the main computer in "Start", then find the "Control Panel". Here we are interested in the section "Network and Internet". In it, click on the inscription "Network and Sharing Center".

Here you will see that a local network has appeared. By default, the system defines it as public. Our task is to change the status to "home". Click on the "Homegroup" button, and then go to the page located in the lower left corner. Do you see a message saying that you are not connected? It doesn't matter, we click with the mouse on the inscription "What is a network location?"

In the window that opens, we need to select the "Home network" item. We are waiting for the system to complete the home network settings. The next step is to select the elements that will be available on the second personal computer or laptop. Click on the "Next" button - the system will provide us with a password to access the data of the second computer. If the password is not needed, then cancel it, after which you can click on the "Finish" button.

This will bring up an options window where you can make changes to the homegroup. Here we need to click on the inscription "Change additional parameters ...". Expand the item "Work or Home", after which it is necessary to put all markers in the first item. Done, the local network is created on the host computer. We just have to connect the second device to the homegroup.

Connecting a second computer

We sit down at the second computer, the cable connected to the router and to the computer. We go to the center of networks, the path to the menu is indicated in the instructions for creating a local network. Click "Home group".

If the creation of the local network was successful, then you will see the "Join" button - click on it and enter the password that the system generated before. Now we carry out the same procedures as with the first computer. That is, we select files that can be available on the first device, etc.

Done, you have created a home network between two computers. To check the status of the network, go to the Network Management Center. There you can make sure that the network is now home.

Important point: granting access to folders and files

Surely you do not want to open access to all folders on your hard drive, because they may contain personal information. To open access to a specific folder, we need to right-click on it, then select in context menu item "Sharing".

None of the users. The mode is set by default, has no relation to the local network.
--- Homegroup (read). By selecting this item, the user of the second computer will be able to watch movies in this folder, read
files, listen to music and even use applications, but he will not be able to copy anything from the folder.
--- Homegroup (read and write). This mode allows you to copy and work with files in this folder.
--- Specific users. This point also concerns access to data on one computer for different users.

If you are ready to provide all the data for users of another computer, then you can immediately open access to partition hard disk.

To do this, right-click on the partition and disk and select access in the same way as with a folder. In addition, you can configure a local network between two computers via Wi-Fi. Let's consider this with you.

Connecting two computers when wi-Fi assistance (with built-in or plug-in)

This method is most often used by laptop owners. You do not need to spend money on cables, since the device can be connected via Wi-Fi. First, check if the adapters are enabled on both computers. We go to the "Control Panel" - "Network and Internet", then go to the network control center.

Here we click on "Change adapter parameters". Inside you will see if the module is enabled wireless network... If it is off, the icon will be grayed out. Turn on wireless connection on every laptop.

Now you can start creating the network. We again go to the center of the networks, where the previous actions were carried out. In the main menu, find the item "Setting up a new connection ..." and click on it.

After that it will start automatic tuning... We select the inscription "Configuring the wireless network computer-computer".

The next window is informational. Review the networking requirements and precautions. Next, we need to enter the basic parameters. SSID is the name of the network that will appear on connections. WPA2 Personal and WEP are encryption options. You can select "No authentication", then the network will not ask you for a password. We recommend setting WPA2 (alphanumeric password) as it is more difficult to crack than WEP.

Done, the connection has been created. Now you will see your network in the list of connections. It remains to open public access. It is enabled in the Network Center in the "Network" section. Click on the house icon, after which an inscription will appear at the top of the empty window.

Click on it and select the item that opens public access. Setting up folders is done in the same way as with personal computers.

Internet connection of computers in the same local network

The instruction is suitable for connecting via cable or Wi-Fi. The information will be useful for those who have the Internet on one computer, but not on other devices from the local network. We need a computer connected to the internet. We go to the connection properties: from the network management we go to the section "Changing adapter parameters". Select the active connection and right-click. Go to the "Properties" menu.

Here we need to select the "Access" tab.

We put a tick in front of the inscription "Allow other users ...".

Done, surf the internet on all devices. That's all for today. If you have any questions, ask in the comments.

One of the most important capabilities of computers is transmission of information from one car to another. Thanks to this, almost endless possibilities open up for users, which everyone has known for a long time - entertainment, work, communication, and so on.

Many are well aware of the existence of global and local networks. If we use the first one mainly for transmitting information over huge distances, then the second one is used for transmitting data among a small number of users. In this article, we will take a closer look at the local network, as well as describe its creation and configuration in Windows 7.

General concepts

A local network is a network into which united 2 or more computers, usually located within an apartment or, say, a building. Machines can be interconnected by network cables or wireless communication channel (usually Wi-Fi).

So that everyone separate computer could "see" any other, also connected to the local network, two rules must be observed. First of all, all cars must be n connected to one common device connections - router (you can do without it - more on that later), which receives information from one computer and transfers it to another. Secondly, each of the machines must have unique network address ... Compliance with these conditions is enough to unite many PCs into a simple local network.

It is also worth knowing that there are two ways (or types) of combining computers - star and ring.

The first involves the use of a router (router, switch, hub - whatever is more convenient for you) as a communication device (the principle of operation was described above).

Network type " ring"Does not require the use of such devices, but for its functioning, each computer must have at least two network cards... Roughly speaking, one of them will play the role of a receiver of information, the other - a sender.

This data will be enough for you to move on to the next part of the article.

Preparatory work

Before setting up a home or office local area network, you must first prepare all computers and a communication line for work. If you are using wired router as a communication device, you will need connect network cables from each computer to it... If you are creating a home network using wireless router Wi-Fi, then just connect every machine to it.

Building a home local network like " Ring"Will require cable routing according to the following scheme (for example, 4 computers):

Connect two cables to computer # 1 into different sockets of network cards;
Pull one of the cables to PC No. 2, the second to PC No. 3;
Connect the second cable in PC No. 2 to another free socket of the network card and drop it to computer No. 4;
Do the same for PC # 3 by connecting it to an empty board slot from PC # 4.

You can see that when connecting like " Ring»Each of the computers is connected by wires only with two adjacent ones. In our case, PC # 1 does not have cable connection from PC # 4.

By the way, setting up a network like " Ring" may be done without wires, that is, via Wi-Fi. However, this will require that each computer can not only "be able" to connect to Wi-Fi, but also have possibility of creating virtual point accessso that other machines can connect to it. But we will not consider this option.

Configuring Windows

After connecting computers to a network using wires or Wi-Fi, it is necessary to perform certain customizationotherwise such a home network will simply not function properly. The whole point of customization is just to give each PC its own unique network address (we will consider the connection settings on windows example 7).

Start with any one computer:

Now, almost the same must be done for each computer connected to your home network. One difference - in the IP address field the value of the last number must be unique... Set, for example, on PC No. 2 the address - 192.168.0.2, on PC No. 3, specify 3 as the last digit, etc. until the very last computer on your home network.

By the way, if you want all computers on the network to be able to access the Internet, then additionally you need to fill in the “ Main gate"And" DNS server». The gateway and DNS can simultaneously be, for example, the address of your Wi-Fi router in case the latter is configured to work in global network... You can also specify in these fields the address of the computer connected to the Internet. In this case, the network settings of the latter should indicate that it allows other machines on the local network to use the Internet connection. But that's another topic.

Something else. When your computer connects to a local network, Windows 7 automatically asks where you would like it to be located. 3 options are offered - " home network», « Enterprise network" or " Public network". Some people depend on this choice. network settings Windows - restricting or allowing actions of other machines on the network in relation to yours. We will not describe everything - just choose the first option " home network».

How to check the connection

You can check whether computers "see" each other on the network using standard windows tools, namely, using command line... To open it:

Do the same on all computers.

Instructions for setting up a local network in Windows 7

Let me remind you that the computers that you want to network must be connected to the same router, or directly connected by cable. Also, all the actions that I will show in this section must be performed on both computers.

An important point! If you want to set up a network via a Wi-Fi router to which some third-party devices are connected (for example, your neighbor), then after setting up, he will be able to access those folders on your computer that you will configure public access to. Install a good one to protect your network. If you still need to connect third-party devices to your router, but you want to set up a home network, then you can create a "guest network" for guests, as we did on the Zyxel router in.

One more point. If you are setting up a network when connecting computers directly, without a router, then you will also need to set static IP addresses in the properties of a local network connection. If you have a connection via a router, then you do not need to do anything else, continue to follow the instructions.

1 First of all, we need to check that all computers work in the same workgroup. This should be checked on all computers that will be connected to the local network.

We do this: press the key combination Win + R, and in the window that appears, specify the command sysdm.cpl... Push Ok.

On the contrary Working groupis likely to be written WORKGROUP... You can leave her. The main thing is that on the other computers the workgroup should also be WORKGROUP.

If you go to change it, for example on MSHOME, then press the button Edit, and specify a new group. Save changes and restart your computer.

2 The second step is to change the sharing settings. We perform these settings in the same way on all computers in the network. Now I'll show you what to enable.

Right click on the internet connection icon in the notification bar, and open Network and Sharing Center... In the new window select Change advanced sharing options.

There will be two profiles. Home or Work, and General. We change the one that is written current profile... You can make these settings for both profiles.

First of all, put the switch next to Enable network discovery... Also, turn on File and Printer Sharing, and include share folders... See screenshot below.

Scroll through the settings page, find and open the tab All networks, or General, and necessarily disable Sharing with password protection.

After these steps, it is advisable to restart your computer. This is actually all the settings, the local network should already be working. To check, you need to go to the explorer (My Computer) on one of the computers, and open the tab on the left Network... All computers on the network will be displayed there. In the screenshot, you can see my computer, and another one from the network.

We can already go to a computer on our home network, there will be access to shared folders.

If you do not have computers on the network, or you do not have access to a computer, then see the solutions at the end of this article.

Setting up file and folder sharing

As I wrote above, you already have access to shared folders. But, we may need to share some other folder, which is, for example, on local disk D. This can be done without any problem. After we open shared access to the folder, all computers from the local network will be able to view the files in it, modify them, and add new files to this folder. (however, it depends on what permissions we enable).

For example, I want to share my Pictures folder. To do this, right-click on it, and select Properties... Go to the tab Access, and click on the button Advanced customization... We put a tick next to the item Share this folder, and click on the button Permissions.

In the window that opens after clicking the button Permissions, we need to set the permissions to this folder. So that netizens can only view the files, then leave a tick only opposite Reading. Well, for full access to the folder, with the ability to change files, set all three checkboxes.

Click Apply and Ok... In the window Advanced sharing setup, also press the buttons Apply and Ok.

In the folder properties, go to the tab Safety, and press the button Edit... Another window will open in which we click on the button Add to... In the field we write "Everything" and press Ok.

Select the group Everything, and from below we mark the necessary access points for this folder with checkmarks.

All, after these steps, there will be a general access to this folder from all computers on the network. Starts working without rebooting, checked. Open this folder from another computer:

Everything was done in a confusing way, until you figure it out ... It was possible somehow to make these settings more simple and understandable. But, everything works. It turns out that I have access to a folder that is located on another computer. And this is all over the air, since I have both computers connected to the router via Wi-Fi.

By the way, this folder will also be available from smartphones and tablets that are connected to this Wi-Fi router... To view network folders on Android, I advise you to install ES Explorer, or use a standard explorer. Everything works:

Now we will consider possible problems and errors that can very often be encountered during the configuration process.

Possible problems and errors when setting up a home local network

If during the configuration process any errors or problems appear, then first of all disable antivirus, and other programs that might block the connection. If the problem is in the antivirus, then you will need to add your connection to the exceptions.

Computers from the local network do not appear on the Network tab. In this case, on all computers we check the workgroup and the sharing settings. Open a tab in the explorer Network, right-click an empty area, and select Refresh... Another important point, very often antivirus and firewalls block access to the local network. Try disabling your antivirus for a while. Also, you need to make sure that there is a connection to the router.
Shared folder cannot be accessed. Another problem, when we seem to have set everything up, shared access, but when we try to open a folder on a computer on the network, a message appears that we do not have access, we do not have permission to access this folder, we could not open network folder and so on. Or, you are prompted for a username and password.
Be sure to check the sharing settings in the properties of this folder. There are a lot of settings, everything is confusing, maybe you missed something. Well, again, turn off the antivirus, it can block.
A computer connected via Wi-Fi cannot be seen by other computers on the local network. Or vice versa. If your network is built with computers and laptops that are connected both wirelessly and by cable, then there may be problems with a certain connection. For example, laptops that are connected via Wi-Fi may not appear on the local network.
In this case, pay attention to which profile you enabled network discovery (settings at the beginning of the article)... Also, it is advisable to assign the status of a home network to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Well, be sure to try disabling your antivirus.

I think you did it. If something could not be configured, then ask in the comments. Also, do not forget to share your tips on this topic.