How to search for a computer on the network in Windows XP

This article describes how to search for a computer on a network. If you know the name of the computer, you can access the computer by using the search companion, or you can search for the computer in My Network Neighborhood.

Search for a computer when you know the name of the computer

If you know the name of the computer, you can search for the computer on the network:

1. Click Start, and then click Search.
2. Click Printers, computers, or people.
3. Click a computer on the network.
4. In the Computer name box, type the name of the computer that you want to find, and then click Search.

Search for a computer when you do not know the name of the computer

If you do not know the name of the computer, you can browse for the computer on the network:

1. Click Start, and then click My Network Places.
2. Click Entire Network.
3. Double-click Microsoft Windows Network.
4. Double-click the name of the domain that you want to search.
5. Double-click the name of the computer that you want to access so that the shared resources are displayed.