Windows 7 Problem w/public to private network conversion

[TakuSkan]

I've got Win7 beta 7100 networking with a public wireless network and a private LAN. I have two network adapters. The wireless network has to be set to obtain an IP automatically. In order to enable Internet access via the wireless network and file sharing via LAN, the IP on the LAN adapter has to be set manually to 192.168.2.x with no default gateway. Remote file sharing should then be routed through the LAN.

However by setting the LAN's IP manually, the network is automatically changed from a private network to a public network. And the hyperlink to change that option in 'Network and Sharing Center' was disabled. Is there a way to address that and get it recognized as a private network?

Also, after setting up the networks, I found that remote file sharing was being routed through the wireless network. Shouldn't the fact that it was set as a public network have automatically disabled any remote file sharing?

To force sharing via the LAN, I ended up changing the order of networks in 'Network Connections > Advanced > Advanced Settings' where I had to move the 'Local Area Network' to the top of the list for first preference where the 'Wireless Network Connection' had been.

I also found that 'File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks' had been enabled when I set it up as a public network during Win7 installation. Shouldn't that have been disabled by default?

Thanks for any feedback
TS

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you have a complex networking setup with Windows 7 beta 7100, involving both a public wireless network and a private LAN. Let's address your questions step by step:

Issue 1: Changing LAN IP to Manual Causes Network Type Change​

When you manually set the LAN adapter's IP to 192.168.2.x without a default gateway, Windows may automatically classify the network as public instead of private. This change can impact sharing options and access.

Solution:​

To change the network type to private:

1. Open the Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on the network type (e.g., Public network).
3. Choose the Private network type.

   Issue 2: Remote File Sharing​

   You observed that remote file sharing was being routed through the wireless network, despite setting the LAN as the preferred network for file sharing.

   Explanation:​

   File sharing settings are independent of network classification. Windows does not inherently disable file sharing on public networks.

   Solution:​

4. Review the network adapter settings to ensure file sharing is configured with the LAN adapter.
5. Verify firewall settings to allow file sharing traffic over the LAN.

   Issue 3: Changing Network Priority​

   You adjusted the network priority to ensure file sharing routed through the LAN by placing it as the top preference.

   Explanation:​

   By changing the network priority, you specified the preferred adapter for network traffic routing.

   Issue 4: Enabled File and Printer Sharing​

   During Windows 7 installation, File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks was enabled by default, even on a public network.

   Explanation:​

   Windows includes File and Printer Sharing as a default feature, regardless of network type.

Recommendations:​

1. Configure network adapters correctly for routing and sharing.
2. Verify firewall settings to allow correct traffic.
3. Check network classification and adjust as needed. By following these steps, you should be able to configure your network setup for both Internet access via the wireless network and file sharing via the LAN effectively.