If you are a Microsoft Windows user and you want to share files or printers with other PCs on your network, you must confirm that all computers on your network are in the same Workgroup. Each computer must have the same Workgroup name because this enables them to “see” one another and access files.

To find or change the Workgroup name on a Windows XP computer, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
  2. In System Properties, click the Computer Name tab to see the workgroup name. To change the name, click Change, type the new name in Computer name, and then click OK.

To find the workgroup name on a computer running Windows Vista:

  1. Open System by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System.
  2. The workgroup name is displayed under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings.

To change the workgroup name on a computer running Windows Vista:

  1. Open System by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System.
  2. Under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings, click Change settings.
  3. In System Properties, on the Computer Name tab, click Change.
  4. In Computer Name/Domain Changes, in Workgroup, type the name of the workgroup you want to use, and then click OK. You will be prompted to restart your computer.

If you are a Mac user connecting to a network with an AirPort base station, you may find this article from apple.com helpful.