Connecting MacBook WiFi to Desktop!

[Dev2]

I have a black MacBook (10.4) and Windows XP PC, my broadband is with Eircom and I have a wireless router which my MacBook connects to.

What I want to do is get my desktop to connect to the internet using my MacBook's WiFi, since the distance between the router and desktop is too great to use a wire ( also awkward as it would involved going down a a hallway)

The problem is quite hard as it requires somebody who is familiar with both OS's. If somebody knows of a guide or a similar forum post that would be helpful too.

What have I done so far? I can swap files between the Mac and desktop with a Cat 5 cable, but no internet. Obviously any help much appreciated.

-Dev

 

[BillytheImpaler]

On the Macbook open System Preferneces -> Sharing icon -> Internet tab
Share your connection from: AirPort
To computers using: Built-in Ethernet

That should do. You should be able to use an ordinary Cat5 or 6 cable since the Mac, at least, should autonegotiate the switch for you.

Is this what you did? When it's in a state where you can swap files between them can you ping your router from your desktop?

 

[[Robster]]

Why not get a wireless card for the PC? Either USB or PCI. That'll remove the MacBook from the equation completely.

 

[Dev2]

Billy,

That solved it works fine now.

Thankyou.
-Dev

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Great! [Robster]'s solution really is better, but connection sharing in this fashion works in a pinch.

I'm just curious now. How was it set before that it didn't work? It seems like if it was allowing access to remote files then it should have also allowed WAN/Internet access.

 

[Dev2]

Applications -> Utilities -> Directory Access -> SMB -> Configure ( To set mac on the same workgroup as my Windows)
I used Finder->Go -> Connect to server -> smb://[PC IP address]/Folder name
Then signing in with my windows account details on my mac

On the PC then I got the folder I want went to Properties ->set 'Share Folder'
On the PC -> Run //[Mac IP address]/[mac short name]
I also messed about with some other settings such as allowing windows file sharing.

I got it off some guide, on another forum so I can't link to it.

I agree that Rob's suggestion is better, but I'm a student and poor
Hopefully in the next few weeks I might get around to it.

Again to both of you much appreciation for taking the time to reply.

-Dev