Member Avatar for Msakdillz

Hi , I am trying to figure out how my friend can connect to my home Network over the internet , We are both running Windows Xp. I am guessing you need to run somekind of Server or something, but if not is there any good resources i can find out how to do this . :D

  • 6 Contributors
  • 7 Replies
  • 123 Views
  • 11 Months Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by hoobastank68

Dani AI

Generated

For a clear, practical path: the method depends on the goal. If the aim is "make the remote PC behave like it is on the same LAN" (as described for back‑office software), an encrypted network tunnel that places the remote machine on the same IP space is the right approach. If the need is only remote control or occasional file transfer, a remote‑access or sync tool is usually far easier and safer.

Security first: both machines running Windows XP is a major risk—XP reached end of support years ago and should not be exposed directly to the Internet. See Microsoft’s end‑of‑support notice for Windows XP for details and mitigation guidance: Windows XP end of support.

Practical options (choose one based on your needs):

  • Full LAN‑style access: run a modern VPN server on an always‑on device or on a capable router so the remote client receives a local‑network address. Modern choices include OpenVPN and WireGuard. Use a static local IP (or DHCP reservation) and Dynamic DNS if your ISP IP changes (e.g., DuckDNS).
  • Simple remote desktop or file access: use a hosted remote‑access tool (no router fiddling). These relay/peer connections through secure servers and avoid exposing Windows file‑sharing ports. Examples include tools like TeamViewer or browser‑based solutions.
  • Syncing files without SMB over the Internet: use peer‑to‑peer sync software that encrypts traffic (for example, Syncthing) or a cloud sync service.

Quick checklist and troubleshooting:

  • Confirm your public IP from inside the home network and test connectivity from an external network.
  • If you open ports on the router, forward them to a fixed LAN IP and create matching firewall exceptions.
  • Never expose SMB (ports 139/445) to the Internet; use encrypted tunnels or modern tools instead.
  • Use strong passwords, keep endpoints isolated if you must keep XP, and upgrade where possible.

This expands on ’s point about tunnels and ties back to earlier replies—pick the approach that matches whether you need full LAN transparency, remote control, or simple file sync. For router configuration help see general port‑forwarding guides such as PortForward.

Recommended Answers

All 7 Replies

Member Avatar for mikeandike22

you definetley need to run a server unless you guys were on the same network or router then yo would need to run a server.

Member Avatar for mikeandike22

here are some good servers
ftp:
bulletproof ftp
gene 6 ftp
ws ftp
Http:
apache

sorry about the double post.

Member Avatar for bentkey

It depends on what you want him to be able to do when he gets there. If you mean share files for instance, and do all the normal local networking stuff, then you need to set up a VPN tunnel between your machines. Nothing else required. In my work, I connect to remote machines for all different purposes, and different purposes require different techinques and software. So....what are you trying to do exactly?

Member Avatar for chan_preet23

i want to use this networking for my backoffice software to be run on both computers like lan . also can we share harddisk over net inexpensively

Member Avatar for albtz

Hi, I have a computer with w98, since use the spyware remover, it cant connect with internet who can help to solve this problem thanks

Member Avatar for albtz

:lol: I have the adelphia cable connect with internet,but the computer can not open the web site

Member Avatar for hoobastank68

get a modem, router, and few ethernet cables and it should be fine.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.