Smart Portable Shortcuts

On my D drive, I want to create several "smart" shortcuts that will always
be valid, regardless of whether this hard drive is drive D, drive E, or some
other drive letter. Similarly, I want to create shortcuts for CDs. Any
shortcut I create on a hard drive won't work when I burn that to a CD. I
need "smart" portable shortcuts. This would prevent a lot of duplication of
files. How do I do this?

Hard Drive Example:
Paint Shop Pro - see D:\Software\J\Jasc\PSP

CD Example:
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.0 Manual - see [CD]\ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.1 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.5 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug

If this relates to your other question regarding dual booting, if you create
a second primary partition using Partition Magic (create a FAT32 one), to
install XP to, the two will automatically be hidden from each other, so
whichever you boot will be C: and the other drive letters will remain the
same.

With Boot Magic installed in ME, set it up so that both may be booted. Set
the (empty) XP partition (volume) as default, then reboot. Boot Magic will
try to boot XP but of course cannot. But it sets that as the bootable drive.
Now insert the XP cd and reboot. Hit *any key* when you see the prompt.
Select the correct partition in the XP cd's setup routine and - if you're
going to use NTFS - choose to format it. If you're going to use FAT32 just
choose to leave the file system intact.

XP will install, turning off Boot Magic in the process (all Windows
installations do this). Once XP is installed, ME will be hidden and XP will
be recognised as being on drive C. Now you need to get back into ME to turn
Boot Magic back on. You can do this using the Boot Magic rescue disk, but a
better way is to install Partition Magic to XP then run PQBoot for Windows
to do the job. It reboots to ME (which is now on drive C). Now run Boot
Magic Configuration and re-enable it. Set whichever OS as default. Reboot
and you have the choice to boot ME or XP. Whichever you do so will become
drive C, so shared volumes retain the same drive letter.

As for shortcuts to cd's: make them while the cd in question is in the
drive.


Shane




"ForestSpirit" wrote in message
...
On my D drive, I want to create several "smart" shortcuts that will always
be valid, regardless of whether this hard drive is drive D, drive E, or
some
other drive letter. Similarly, I want to create shortcuts for CDs. Any
shortcut I create on a hard drive won't work when I burn that to a CD. I
need "smart" portable shortcuts. This would prevent a lot of duplication
of
files. How do I do this?

Hard Drive Example:
Paint Shop Pro - see D:\Software\J\Jasc\PSP

CD Example:
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.0 Manual - see [CD]\ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.1 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.5 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug

Well explained Shane. With regards to FAT32 vs NTFS and XP, if the pc
is to be a family or multi user pc I would recommend using NTFS for its
security/permision and ownership features that are not available on FAT.

John

Shane wrote:

If this relates to your other question regarding dual booting, if you create
a second primary partition using Partition Magic (create a FAT32 one), to
install XP to, the two will automatically be hidden from each other, so
whichever you boot will be C: and the other drive letters will remain the
same.

With Boot Magic installed in ME, set it up so that both may be booted. Set
the (empty) XP partition (volume) as default, then reboot. Boot Magic will
try to boot XP but of course cannot. But it sets that as the bootable drive.
Now insert the XP cd and reboot. Hit *any key* when you see the prompt.
Select the correct partition in the XP cd's setup routine and - if you're
going to use NTFS - choose to format it. If you're going to use FAT32 just
choose to leave the file system intact.

XP will install, turning off Boot Magic in the process (all Windows
installations do this). Once XP is installed, ME will be hidden and XP will
be recognised as being on drive C. Now you need to get back into ME to turn
Boot Magic back on. You can do this using the Boot Magic rescue disk, but a
better way is to install Partition Magic to XP then run PQBoot for Windows
to do the job. It reboots to ME (which is now on drive C). Now run Boot
Magic Configuration and re-enable it. Set whichever OS as default. Reboot
and you have the choice to boot ME or XP. Whichever you do so will become
drive C, so shared volumes retain the same drive letter.

As for shortcuts to cd's: make them while the cd in question is in the
drive.


Shane




"ForestSpirit" wrote in message
...

On my D drive, I want to create several "smart" shortcuts that will always
be valid, regardless of whether this hard drive is drive D, drive E, or

some

other drive letter. Similarly, I want to create shortcuts for CDs. Any
shortcut I create on a hard drive won't work when I burn that to a CD. I
need "smart" portable shortcuts. This would prevent a lot of duplication

of

files. How do I do this?

Hard Drive Example:
Paint Shop Pro - see D:\Software\J\Jasc\PSP

CD Example:
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.0 Manual - see [CD]\ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.1 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.5 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug

The small portable shortcuts were mainly intended for the non-C drives (my
second hard drive) and for CDs that I make. They are shortcuts to files from
one part of a CD to another, or one part of a hard drive to another -
regardless of drive letter. They are not shortcuts from hard drive to CD or
CD to hard drive. I guess I'm not explaining this well. Maybe an autorun.inf
file or some other kind of batch file like that does the shortcuts. I may
need a utility to help me write it. Third-party icon programs make portable
shortcuts that stay with the drive/CD regardless of drive letter. Companies
have been making data CDs for years, so there must be a way to do it. Rather
than duplicating the same file more than once on the CD in different
folders, they have some type of shortcut to go directly to one file in one
folder from multiple locations to save space. That's what I want to do on
the on my D drive and on my CDs. When I burn those files to CD, the
shortcuts still need to be valid but point to the corresponding place on the
CD, not to the hard drive because that particular hard drive might not
always be connected. Backing up my data before attempting this partitioning
and XP install is paramount. I want to minimize duplication.

The DSL must be shared among all computers, so the network MUST function and
be available to all the Win9x nodes (95a, 98se, Me) regardless of whether I
am booted in Me or XP. I am the network administrator, but as you can see
I'm no expert. I'm a beginning-intermediate-advanced user trying to do this
on her own. My skills vary in different areas. Some areas I'm more
knowledgeable about than others. I know a lot about 9x but very little about
DOS and XP. We can't afford to have someone come in here and set this up for
us.

We do not use Internet Connection Sharing that comes with Windows. The
router automatically coordinates the sharing and assigns IP addresses. When
I get so far as the XP networking wizard I will visit the XP networking
forum for those questions. But from what we remember about that wizard, it
asked if we wanted to share internet access. If we answer yes, I think that
sets up Internet Connection Sharing. If we answer no, I think it does not.
We can't have ICS. It is not compatible with my router/ISP. Each computer
needs to share the DSL but also to be able to use its own dial-up modem to
connect to the internet on its own, if necessary. If there are web sites you
could point me to for further help with setting up a peer-to-peer network in
XP for 9x computers, that would be great.

NTFS does sound more secure, but I am terrified that if I choose that file
system, the Win9x network will no longer work, the DSL will no longer be
shared, printers and CD/DVD drives can no longer be shared, and files can no
longer be shared with the non-NTFS drives/partitions when I am booted in XP.
Similarly, I wonder if printers and drives will be shared or not. I'm
wondering how the user-level access will change our current network when I'm
in Me. Someone mentioned Browse Master or LM Host. I need a place to look up
what those settings should be in each node. Will the XP networking forum be
the place to ask how to set up users and nodes in XP and the other
computers?

Finally, which is better:
1. Partition Magic/Boot Magic
2. BootIt

I only intend to buy one of these products. Partition Magic was my first
choice, but it BootIt is better, I'll get it instead. Similarly, if I buy
BootIt, should I also buy Imaging for Windows? There is a discount if you
buy them both as a bundle. Do BootIt and Imaging both function together as a
replacement for Norton Ghost and Partition Magic/Boot Magic?


"John John" wrote in message
...
Well explained Shane. With regards to FAT32 vs NTFS and XP, if the pc
is to be a family or multi user pc I would recommend using NTFS for its
security/permision and ownership features that are not available on FAT.

John

Shane wrote:

If this relates to your other question regarding dual booting, if you
create
a second primary partition using Partition Magic (create a FAT32 one), to
install XP to, the two will automatically be hidden from each other, so
whichever you boot will be C: and the other drive letters will remain the
same.

With Boot Magic installed in ME, set it up so that both may be booted. Set
the (empty) XP partition (volume) as default, then reboot. Boot Magic will
try to boot XP but of course cannot. But it sets that as the bootable
drive.
Now insert the XP cd and reboot. Hit *any key* when you see the prompt.
Select the correct partition in the XP cd's setup routine and - if you're
going to use NTFS - choose to format it. If you're going to use FAT32 just
choose to leave the file system intact.

XP will install, turning off Boot Magic in the process (all Windows
installations do this). Once XP is installed, ME will be hidden and XP
will
be recognised as being on drive C. Now you need to get back into ME to
turn
Boot Magic back on. You can do this using the Boot Magic rescue disk, but
a
better way is to install Partition Magic to XP then run PQBoot for Windows
to do the job. It reboots to ME (which is now on drive C). Now run Boot
Magic Configuration and re-enable it. Set whichever OS as default. Reboot
and you have the choice to boot ME or XP. Whichever you do so will become
drive C, so shared volumes retain the same drive letter.

As for shortcuts to cd's: make them while the cd in question is in the
drive.


Shane




"ForestSpirit" wrote in message
...

On my D drive, I want to create several "smart" shortcuts that will always
be valid, regardless of whether this hard drive is drive D, drive E, or

some

other drive letter. Similarly, I want to create shortcuts for CDs. Any
shortcut I create on a hard drive won't work when I burn that to a CD. I
need "smart" portable shortcuts. This would prevent a lot of duplication

of

files. How do I do this?

Hard Drive Example:
Paint Shop Pro - see D:\Software\J\Jasc\PSP

CD Example:
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.0 Manual - see [CD]\ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.1 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.5 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug

I'm fairly sure if you put a shortcut on a cd it'll be set to use the drive
letter *that* cd-rom uses on *that* machine, at *that* time.

A couple of years ago I wrote a batch that I put on a cd, that was launched
by an autorun.inf, for the purpose of opening a menu of the contents of that
cd.

Once launched, the batch searched for a file that was on the same cd
(requires a unique name), and assigned the drive it found it on, to the
variable %CDROM% (in a similar way as the DOS boot disk routine does when
you select cd-rom support).

Thereafter any path beginning %CDROM% would be treated as being on the cd. I
suspect, however, that on making shortcuts, *%CDROM%* will either not be
accepted, or will be automatically altered to the actual drive letter.

I was running batch files and/or vb scripts. You can of course write scripts
to launch various applications and to have, eg Adobe Acrobat launch a .pdf,
Internet Explorer open an .htm, Notepad open a .txt. The commercial cds you
refer to probably use visual basic scripts or compiled executables.


Shane


"ForestSpirit" wrote in message
...
The small portable shortcuts were mainly intended for the non-C drives (my
second hard drive) and for CDs that I make. They are shortcuts to files
from
one part of a CD to another, or one part of a hard drive to another -
regardless of drive letter. They are not shortcuts from hard drive to CD
or
CD to hard drive. I guess I'm not explaining this well. Maybe an
autorun.inf
file or some other kind of batch file like that does the shortcuts. I may
need a utility to help me write it. Third-party icon programs make
portable
shortcuts that stay with the drive/CD regardless of drive letter.
Companies
have been making data CDs for years, so there must be a way to do it.
Rather
than duplicating the same file more than once on the CD in different
folders, they have some type of shortcut to go directly to one file in one
folder from multiple locations to save space. That's what I want to do on
the on my D drive and on my CDs. When I burn those files to CD, the
shortcuts still need to be valid but point to the corresponding place on
the
CD, not to the hard drive because that particular hard drive might not
always be connected. Backing up my data before attempting this
partitioning
and XP install is paramount. I want to minimize duplication.

The DSL must be shared among all computers, so the network MUST function
and
be available to all the Win9x nodes (95a, 98se, Me) regardless of whether
I
am booted in Me or XP. I am the network administrator, but as you can see
I'm no expert. I'm a beginning-intermediate-advanced user trying to do
this
on her own. My skills vary in different areas. Some areas I'm more
knowledgeable about than others. I know a lot about 9x but very little
about
DOS and XP. We can't afford to have someone come in here and set this up
for
us.

We do not use Internet Connection Sharing that comes with Windows. The
router automatically coordinates the sharing and assigns IP addresses.
When
I get so far as the XP networking wizard I will visit the XP networking
forum for those questions. But from what we remember about that wizard, it
asked if we wanted to share internet access. If we answer yes, I think
that
sets up Internet Connection Sharing. If we answer no, I think it does not.
We can't have ICS. It is not compatible with my router/ISP. Each computer
needs to share the DSL but also to be able to use its own dial-up modem to
connect to the internet on its own, if necessary. If there are web sites
you
could point me to for further help with setting up a peer-to-peer network
in
XP for 9x computers, that would be great.

NTFS does sound more secure, but I am terrified that if I choose that file
system, the Win9x network will no longer work, the DSL will no longer be
shared, printers and CD/DVD drives can no longer be shared, and files can
no
longer be shared with the non-NTFS drives/partitions when I am booted in
XP.
Similarly, I wonder if printers and drives will be shared or not. I'm
wondering how the user-level access will change our current network when
I'm
in Me. Someone mentioned Browse Master or LM Host. I need a place to look
up
what those settings should be in each node. Will the XP networking forum
be
the place to ask how to set up users and nodes in XP and the other
computers?

Finally, which is better:
1. Partition Magic/Boot Magic
2. BootIt

I only intend to buy one of these products. Partition Magic was my first
choice, but it BootIt is better, I'll get it instead. Similarly, if I buy
BootIt, should I also buy Imaging for Windows? There is a discount if you
buy them both as a bundle. Do BootIt and Imaging both function together as
a
replacement for Norton Ghost and Partition Magic/Boot Magic?


"John John" wrote in message
...
Well explained Shane. With regards to FAT32 vs NTFS and XP, if the pc
is to be a family or multi user pc I would recommend using NTFS for its
security/permision and ownership features that are not available on FAT.

John

Shane wrote:

If this relates to your other question regarding dual booting, if you
create
a second primary partition using Partition Magic (create a FAT32 one),
to
install XP to, the two will automatically be hidden from each other, so
whichever you boot will be C: and the other drive letters will remain
the
same.

With Boot Magic installed in ME, set it up so that both may be booted.
Set
the (empty) XP partition (volume) as default, then reboot. Boot Magic
will
try to boot XP but of course cannot. But it sets that as the bootable
drive.
Now insert the XP cd and reboot. Hit *any key* when you see the prompt.
Select the correct partition in the XP cd's setup routine and - if
you're
going to use NTFS - choose to format it. If you're going to use FAT32
just
choose to leave the file system intact.

XP will install, turning off Boot Magic in the process (all Windows
installations do this). Once XP is installed, ME will be hidden and XP
will
be recognised as being on drive C. Now you need to get back into ME to
turn
Boot Magic back on. You can do this using the Boot Magic rescue disk,
but
a
better way is to install Partition Magic to XP then run PQBoot for
Windows
to do the job. It reboots to ME (which is now on drive C). Now run Boot
Magic Configuration and re-enable it. Set whichever OS as default.
Reboot
and you have the choice to boot ME or XP. Whichever you do so will
become
drive C, so shared volumes retain the same drive letter.

As for shortcuts to cd's: make them while the cd in question is in the
drive.


Shane




"ForestSpirit" wrote in message
...

On my D drive, I want to create several "smart" shortcuts that will
always
be valid, regardless of whether this hard drive is drive D, drive E, or

some

other drive letter. Similarly, I want to create shortcuts for CDs. Any
shortcut I create on a hard drive won't work when I burn that to a CD. I
need "smart" portable shortcuts. This would prevent a lot of duplication

of

files. How do I do this?

Hard Drive Example:
Paint Shop Pro - see D:\Software\J\Jasc\PSP

CD Example:
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.0 Manual - see [CD]\ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.1 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.5 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug

This article is not meant as a step by step or how to guide for setting
up or troubleshooting peer networks. Rather, it is meant to provide
basic knowledge that should help the reader understand network concepts
and make it easier to setup and troubleshoot peer network installations.

Reading the articles suggested here should provide helpful information
that anyone trying to set up or troubleshoot a network should have. The
article is a compendium, or collection of articles which I attempt to
present in a somewhat logical order.

I didn't know where in the article I should put the following advice but
it is so important that I have decided to put it here at the beginning.
One word only, FIREWALLS! Setting up a network can be complicated and
troublesome enough so you should take every step possible to make the
job easier. I not only recommend that you disable your firewall, I
recommend that you completely uninstall it. Get it out of the picture
before you begin, once your network is up and running properly then you
can reinstall the firewall. This will allow you to properly install and
configure the network, plus it will force new network discovery by your
firewall thus ensuring that the firewall is also properly configured.
While your computers are unprotected you should take basic precautions
to avoid unwanted guests. With modem dial up there is no problem as
long as you don't dial out. With high speed and "always on" broadband
connections you need to be careful, best to simply physically disconnect
your computers from outside networks. Before you remove the firewall
disconnect the cable to outside networks.

Readers who see errors or incorrect information, or who feel that the
article might be improved with additional content are encouraged to post
their comments. The article is intended to be posted to Microsoft
newsgroups only. I have not asked specific permission from the owners
of the links in the article but I don't think they will object having
their links provided. If you own any of the links and you object or
otherwise do not want them in the article please let me know and I will
remove them.

A final note before we begin. The articles below may be written for any
or for particular Windows versions, WFW, Windows 95/98/ME, Windows
NT/2000/XP, or the Windows Server System family. While each Windows
version may have different means or ways of implementing the concepts or
technology, the basic information provided by the articles apply to all
Windows versions. Of course, don't expect Windows 95 to have Windows
2003 Advanced Server features. Advanced Server Documentation may
contain information beyond the scope of peer networks but the articles
may be posted for other reasons. Links to Advanced Server Documentation
are identifiable by leading and ending ***. Don't assume that all the
documentation in these articles apply to your situation or Windows version.


Now let's begin with the basics. You should read this first and
familiarize yourself with network architecture. This will help you
understand other concepts later on. This is the foundation for all
networks, without the fundamental knowledge contained in the article you
will lack in essential network skills. Reading time: about 30 minutes.

Networks, Networks Everywhere
By JoAnne Woodcock

Chapter 3 from Step Up to Networking, published by Microsoft Press
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/its.../networks.mspx

So now you have the big picture, let us zoom-in on peer networks, which
is what is of concern to us for our small network. Reading time: a few
minutes or less.

Windows 2000 Professional on Microsoft Networks
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...f_omn_vcgd.asp


HARDWARE

Most peer networks today are connected with Network Interface Cards and
Category 5 cable but wireless devices are gaining in popularity.
Whichever hardware you use make sure it is properly installed and
configured. Read the installation and user manuals for your hardware.
Familiarize yourself with the testing and diagnostic utilities provided
by your hardware manufacturer. You can't properly install a network on
faulty or improperly configured hardware. There is a Go/No-Go process
to setting up networks, make sure that the hardware is a Go.

Wired or Wireless - What Kind of Network is Right for Me?
http://www.linksys.com/edu/page2.asp

Hubs, switches and routers explained
http://pcplus.co.uk/tips/?pagetypeid...ubsectionid=91

Appendix F - Routers and Switches
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d.../appbaynt.mspx

Category 5 cable
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_5_cable

If you connect only two computers together with Network Interface Cards
you have to use a "Crossover" cable. If you connect more than two
computers together you should use "straight-through" cables as mentioned
in some of the above articles, Auto-Sensing switches can differentiate
and use both types and even have mixed cables but you should still try
to use all straight-through cables on a switch.

Don't buy a hub, buy an Auto-Sensing, Auto-Negotiating switch or a
router. Switches are cheap, fast, and more than adequate for most peer
networks. A good router has the advantage of also being a hardware
firewall, but you will still need a software firewall installed on each
of your workstations to properly protect your network. Switches are
faster than routers, makes a big difference when you move large files
across the network or when you have more than 2 users on the network.
If you use wireless devices make sure that you properly secure them, you
don't want your neighbours on your network!


TRANSPORT PROTOCOL

For your computers to be able to communicate with each other they need a
common transport protocol. The golden rule is: The fewer protocols the
better. Usually there is only one needed protocol, TCP/IP. Remove ALL
unneeded protocols. The NetBEUI protocol it is almost never needed in
todays networked environment, remove it. Unnecessary protocols cause
network collisions and can significantly affect network speed and overall
performance.

A Description of Windows 95 and Windows 98 Network Protocols
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;294945

Chapter 15 - Network Adapters and Protocols
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...t3/wrkc15.mspx

Windows 2000 Professional on Microsoft Networks
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...asp?frame=true


IP ADDRESSING

You may be able (or not) to use automatic IP addressing or DHCP
addressing. While Dynamic addressing might be a bit or seem to be
simpler I don't recommend using it on small peer networks. It's just as
easy to use static IP addresses. Static addressing needs no additional
service running in the background, unlike Dynamic addressing which
requires services to obtain IP leases. You could use any* address in
the Class A range, example:

Computer 1 - 10.20.30.1
Computer 2 - 10.20.30.2
Print Server - 10.20.30.6

The subnet mask 255.0.0.0 would be the same for all the above addresses.
You can also use certain IP addresses in the Class B or C range.

*Your IP addresses cannot start with the number 127. The number 127 in
class A address is reserved for internal loopback functions.

Don't confuse IP address with hardware MAC address. If you have a
router it can be used as a DHCP server. The workstations will have to
obtain IP leases from the router and the router will dish them out.
Routers can also work with static addressing thus eliminating IP leasing.

Introduction to TCP/IP
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...b_tcp_PNMZ.asp

Choosing an IP Address Assignment Method
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...j_ipa_hkhg.asp

TCP/IP in Windows 2000 Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...c_tcp_blhc.asp

Understanding TCP/IP addressing and subnetting basics
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;164015

Checklist: Installing and configuring TCP/IP
***Windows 2000 Advanced Server Documentation.***
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000...st.htm?id=2109

What is DHCP?
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d..._dhcp_what.asp

How DHCP Works
http://www.microsoft.com/Resources/D...asp?frame=true

How to Remotely Reconfigure IP from Static Addressing to DHCP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q194407/

Static IP address setup
Converting from a DHCP based LAN configuration
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto...ip-address.asp

MS TCP/IP and Windows 95 Networking
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/arc...5/mstcpip.mspx
(Reference Material only)


TCP/IP NETWORK COMMANDS

Tip: For help on any command use the /? switch, example: ping /? will
show available options and syntax for the ping command.

To test a TCP/IP configuration by using the ping command
***Windows 2000 Advanced Server Documentation.***
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000...P_pro_Ping.htm
(Basic Ping command information, applies to all Windows version)

To test TCP/IP connections by using the ping and net view commands
***Windows 2000 Advanced Server Documentation.***
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000...ingConnect.htm

Command-line utilities
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...ngcommands.asp

TCP/IP Troubleshooting
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...d_trb_dfln.asp

Using PING.EXE with Windows for Workgroups
http://support.microsoft.com/default...kb;en-us;90475
(An example of when the NetBEUI protocol might be needed)


MICROSOFT NETWORKS

How To Install the Client for Microsoft Networks
http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/w...ient4msnet.htm

Set Up a Workgroup
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/br...orkgroups.mspx

File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/h...intsharing.asp

Set Up File Sharing
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/br...are_setup.mspx

Set Up Printer Sharing
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/br...ter_share.mspx

Troubleshooting Browsing with Client for Microsoft Networks
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;134304

Workgroup network Troubleshooting:
http://www.pctechnicians.ca/help/workgroup.html

Tip: Authenticated logons and user credentials. You need proper
credentials to have access to shared resources on a network. If you get
"access denied" messages make sure that you have an identical username
and password setup on each of the machines sharing the resource. Use
authenticated or network logons. If you don't use authenticated logon
then you may need to supply a valid username and password when you try
to connect to shared resources.

Chapter 18 - Logon, Browsing, and Resource Sharing
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...t3/wrkc18.mspx

How to Use the NET VIEW Command to View Shared Resources
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;141229


BROWSER

The Browser service is probably one of the least known and understood
service with many network users. Yet this is one of the most important
part of your network. No network is properly setup until Browser duties
are properly assigned across your network. Browser conflicts are a
major cause of network errors or problems. Take time to familiarize
yourself with the Browser service and its purpose.

Windows NT Server Resource Kit
Chapter 3 - Windows NT Browser Service
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...et/chptr3.mspx

Browser Issue on Microsoft Networks
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/arc...m/ptbimsn.mspx

Troubleshooting the Microsoft Computer Browser Service
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;188305

Browsing the Network
http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/browse.htm

Windows 2000 Pro - Windows 98 Peer to Peer Networking,
Sharing Files with Win2000, and Fixing the "slow browsing" Problem
http://users.bigpond.net.au/hutch/wi...982kptpnet.htm


ON-LINE HELP

Sites by Johannes Helmig
http://www.helmig.com/
http://www.wown.com/

Network, Internet, Remote Access, VPN Tips & Troubleshooting
http://www.chicagotech.net/

Carey Holzman's Free Computer Tips and Information Page
http://www.careyholzman.com/

Home computer networking and Internet connection sharing
http://www.homenethelp.com/

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/br...g/default.mspx

How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows 98 Second Edition (PART 1)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/814235
(An easy to follow 8 part guide that shows you all the steps. You can
use it as a basic guide for other Windows versions).

Microsoft Community Newsgroups
Networking Technologies Newsgroups
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserv...g/default.mspx

And finally, your pc help files contain information specific to your
Windows version.

HTH

John

ForestSpirit wrote:

The small portable shortcuts were mainly intended for the non-C drives (my
second hard drive) and for CDs that I make. They are shortcuts to files from
one part of a CD to another, or one part of a hard drive to another -
regardless of drive letter. They are not shortcuts from hard drive to CD or
CD to hard drive. I guess I'm not explaining this well. Maybe an autorun.inf
file or some other kind of batch file like that does the shortcuts. I may
need a utility to help me write it. Third-party icon programs make portable
shortcuts that stay with the drive/CD regardless of drive letter. Companies
have been making data CDs for years, so there must be a way to do it. Rather
than duplicating the same file more than once on the CD in different
folders, they have some type of shortcut to go directly to one file in one
folder from multiple locations to save space. That's what I want to do on
the on my D drive and on my CDs. When I burn those files to CD, the
shortcuts still need to be valid but point to the corresponding place on the
CD, not to the hard drive because that particular hard drive might not
always be connected. Backing up my data before attempting this partitioning
and XP install is paramount. I want to minimize duplication.

The DSL must be shared among all computers, so the network MUST function and
be available to all the Win9x nodes (95a, 98se, Me) regardless of whether I
am booted in Me or XP. I am the network administrator, but as you can see
I'm no expert. I'm a beginning-intermediate-advanced user trying to do this
on her own. My skills vary in different areas. Some areas I'm more
knowledgeable about than others. I know a lot about 9x but very little about
DOS and XP. We can't afford to have someone come in here and set this up for
us.

We do not use Internet Connection Sharing that comes with Windows. The
router automatically coordinates the sharing and assigns IP addresses. When
I get so far as the XP networking wizard I will visit the XP networking
forum for those questions. But from what we remember about that wizard, it
asked if we wanted to share internet access. If we answer yes, I think that
sets up Internet Connection Sharing. If we answer no, I think it does not.
We can't have ICS. It is not compatible with my router/ISP. Each computer
needs to share the DSL but also to be able to use its own dial-up modem to
connect to the internet on its own, if necessary. If there are web sites you
could point me to for further help with setting up a peer-to-peer network in
XP for 9x computers, that would be great.

NTFS does sound more secure, but I am terrified that if I choose that file
system, the Win9x network will no longer work, the DSL will no longer be
shared, printers and CD/DVD drives can no longer be shared, and files can no
longer be shared with the non-NTFS drives/partitions when I am booted in XP.
Similarly, I wonder if printers and drives will be shared or not. I'm
wondering how the user-level access will change our current network when I'm
in Me. Someone mentioned Browse Master or LM Host. I need a place to look up
what those settings should be in each node. Will the XP networking forum be
the place to ask how to set up users and nodes in XP and the other
computers?

Finally, which is better:
1. Partition Magic/Boot Magic
2. BootIt

I only intend to buy one of these products. Partition Magic was my first
choice, but it BootIt is better, I'll get it instead. Similarly, if I buy
BootIt, should I also buy Imaging for Windows? There is a discount if you
buy them both as a bundle. Do BootIt and Imaging both function together as a
replacement for Norton Ghost and Partition Magic/Boot Magic?


"John John" wrote in message
...
Well explained Shane. With regards to FAT32 vs NTFS and XP, if the pc
is to be a family or multi user pc I would recommend using NTFS for its
security/permision and ownership features that are not available on FAT.

John

Shane wrote:


If this relates to your other question regarding dual booting, if you

create

a second primary partition using Partition Magic (create a FAT32 one), to
install XP to, the two will automatically be hidden from each other, so
whichever you boot will be C: and the other drive letters will remain the
same.

With Boot Magic installed in ME, set it up so that both may be booted. Set
the (empty) XP partition (volume) as default, then reboot. Boot Magic will
try to boot XP but of course cannot. But it sets that as the bootable

drive.

Now insert the XP cd and reboot. Hit *any key* when you see the prompt.
Select the correct partition in the XP cd's setup routine and - if you're
going to use NTFS - choose to format it. If you're going to use FAT32 just
choose to leave the file system intact.

XP will install, turning off Boot Magic in the process (all Windows
installations do this). Once XP is installed, ME will be hidden and XP

will

be recognised as being on drive C. Now you need to get back into ME to

turn

Boot Magic back on. You can do this using the Boot Magic rescue disk, but

a

better way is to install Partition Magic to XP then run PQBoot for Windows
to do the job. It reboots to ME (which is now on drive C). Now run Boot
Magic Configuration and re-enable it. Set whichever OS as default. Reboot
and you have the choice to boot ME or XP. Whichever you do so will become
drive C, so shared volumes retain the same drive letter.

As for shortcuts to cd's: make them while the cd in question is in the
drive.


Shane




"ForestSpirit" wrote in message
...


On my D drive, I want to create several "smart" shortcuts that will always
be valid, regardless of whether this hard drive is drive D, drive E, or

some


other drive letter. Similarly, I want to create shortcuts for CDs. Any
shortcut I create on a hard drive won't work when I burn that to a CD. I
need "smart" portable shortcuts. This would prevent a lot of duplication

of


files. How do I do this?

Hard Drive Example:
Paint Shop Pro - see D:\Software\J\Jasc\PSP

CD Example:
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.0 Manual - see [CD]\ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.1 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.5 Manual - see [CD]ZAP5ug