Linking two laptops via a wireless link

[ZimZam]

Ok, I'm a complete idiot when it comes to linking computers! I'm posting this here because of this!

I have two HP laptops, one running Windows XP (SP3 installed) and the other running Windows Vista (SP2 installed). Both have Wi-Fi capability. I'd like to know if it's possible to link the two PC's via the wireless option, without additional hardware and, if it's possible, could someone please tell me what I have to do, in step-by-step form, how to do this!

The problem mainly revolves around needing to share a 3G modem on the XP laptop with a Vista laptop (both are HP) and how to do this. I got as far as sharing the modem connection on the XP machine, but am completely stumped as to what to do after that!

Thanks

[nazcar4u]

sorry but you cant do that without other hardware, the wifi in the computers are receivers, not transmitters.

[Shawn]

You need a router. check dlink or linksys at your local comp. store.

[SoonerAl · Accepted solution]

Yes you can do that. Its called an ad hoc network. Here are some references.

http://www.microsoft.com/DOWNLOADS/details.aspx?familyid=FAC8708E-3762-4E78-B372-8404EEB7F41A&displa...

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/293c504f-b944-4d5d-835c-f080129bd5dc1033.mspx 

You would need to use ICS to share the internet link on the XP machine.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306126 

Otherwise a 3G wireless router may be an option.

 http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=3G+routers

Good luck...

Message Edited by SoonerAl on 08-18-2009 03:05 AM

[nazcar4u]

NO U Cant.  The user wants to do this with out additional equipment or a network.

[SoonerAl]

Please read the original post carefully.

"I have two HP laptops, one running Windows XP (SP3 installed) and the other running Windows Vista (SP2 installed). Both have Wi-Fi capability. I'd like to know if it's possible to link the two PC's via the wireless option, without additional hardware..."

Setting up a ad hoc wireless connection between the two PCs and using ICS on the XP machine to share the 3G connection would work. No additional hardware needed.

The suggestion for the purchase/use of a 3G wireless router was just that, a suggestion, in case they want another option.

[Wi-Fi-Guy]

Agree with the last post. Start with the Vista laptop and start the Network and Sharing Center found in the control panel. Click on "Setup a connection or network" and follow the prompts for creating an ad-hoc (computer-to-computer) network.

When you're asked for security, you might consider using WEP since I'm not sure is WPA-PSK is supported in XP SP3 for ad-hoc networks.

After creating the ad-hoc network in Vista, use the XP computer to connect to your new ad-hoc network.