how do you Network 2 PCs over the Internet (Maping Drives) both have Linksys Routers with NAT Firewall? don't u map (\\IP ADDRESS \ SHARE NAME) do you have to open any ports? i heard u may have to create a VPN (which pc should be server? does it matter?), can someone help me? THANKS

If you want to map drives you will need NT/2K server with VPN setup or VPN hardware. Which ever way it is very expensive. If you just want the ability to connect to the other computer's resources, you will need to open port 139 on your firewall. However, I HIGHLY recommend that you DO NOT do this as it will open up all of your info to everyone on the internet. You'll have every port scanner on the net lighting up with joy!

Very easy. I have 2 PCs too, networked just need one as the host(server) the other as client. Make Xp be the host if have one. If both have XP, doesn't matter which one -you need two NICs installed on both. -a router or hub -and I am assuming you using cable or xdsl you will also need the cable modem or dsl modem for that matter, plus network cable connetors. Procedure: Run the network setup wizard on the host. enable the LAN and then run 'new connection wizard' for your modem which is your gateway to the internet (WAN) Follow the instructions that according to this host computer, that is, it connects to the internet directly and other computers connect thro it. For security reasons, do not intall file sharing or other protocols on the WAN except the TCP/IP which the internet needs -connect to the internet and leave it running. Now go the second PC(client) and do the same , check the box that says this computer connects to the internet thro another pc on the network. enable the LAN, install all the protocols and check the boxes correctly. And thats it. You have your network running Windows XP got excellent help on how to do this. also make sure you put your router between your server and your incoming dsl/cable service. coz its suppose to firewall both computers from the outside world. That way you don't have to worry about which port to leave open. the documentation should also help you. GOODLUCK BUDDY. let me know if you have problems. my e-mail is viem2001@yahoo.com

Scuzzy, you are talking about having two pc's on a single network and using Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). According to the original post, Kevin wants to network two pc's ,at different locations, across the internet. Your post is very comprehensive, just wrong topic.

Kahn: if i want to view and share on both PCs with a VPN, do both the PCs need to be set up as a server? and when viewing, it connects to the pc where the files are on? or does 1 pc be the server? how do u connect to the VPN when finished? do i jus create a user/login ? btw i have Windows XP PRO.

Oops!

Or you can just hack legally it works perfect every time i promised!! turn of firewalls and just go into dospromt and type... Remeber this is not legal if the other user isnt aware of it!! "net use \\172.38.168.5\ipc$ /user:Administrator" in one string then be asked about the password wich of course you got.. then just map the disk normally like net use ............... This is why you GOT to have a password in Win 2000 and Win Xp with out password in these systems anyone can easily got in.