Note: This help topic applies to Pocket PC 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003 handhelds only. Windows Mobile 5 and 6 devices do not support this network connection method. Windows Mobile 5 and 6 devices can add Network Browsing capabilities with Resco Explorer.

You've most likely transferred files from one PC to another over your wireless network, or used your laptop to browse files on your desktop, but many people don't realize that you can also perform each of these tasks with a wireless-enabled Pocket PC.

With the Pocket PC program "File Explorer," you can browse the shared files on any PC on your wireless network.  To begin, simply open "File Explorer" and take a look at the three icons at the bottom of the screen.  The first, which looks like a Pocket PC, toggles local file viewing; this setting is the default.  The second icon is a shortcut to your Storage Card, or flash memory card, if you have one.  The third icon (shown below) looks like a hand holding a blue folder -- this is the icon which toggles network browsing.  

Once you tap the network browsing icon, you'll need to enter the path to the PC you wish to browse (keep in mind that file sharing must be enabled on a desktop or laptop you wish to browse over your wireless network).  The path to the desired PC can based on several pathways, but generally the system's "Computer Name" is used.   If you're not sure of your PC's name, you can find it by right-clicking on the "My Computer" icon on your desktop (or in your Start Menu) and selecting "Properties." 

 

NOTE: For the purposes of this tutorial, the name of the remote computer we're connecting to is "ATHLON3400." 

Make sure that your Pocket PC's wireless networking is turned on and input the name of the computer you wish to connect to in the "Open path:" field and click OK.  You may need to enter a username and password if the remote PC is password protected, but if it is not, leave the fields blank and proceed.  You're now connected. 

 

The folders listed are now shared folders on your remote PC.  With "File Explorer" you can browse any file in a shared folder, but functionality is limited to cut-and-paste and copy-and-paste.  For example, if you wanted to transfer four Beatles songs from the folder \MP3\60s & 70s\ on your remote PC to your Pocket PC's Storage Card.  You begin by navigating to the folder on the remote PC in which the audio files are stored, copy the files, and paste them to your Pocket PC.

 

Once you've copied the desired files, navigate to the folder on your Pocket PC where you wish to paste them, in this case My Device\Storage Card.  Tap-and-hold your stylus on the screen and select "Paste" from the menu.  The files will be copied over the wireless network to your Pocket PC.

 

If you are running firewall software on your remote PC, or if you have Windows XP's Firewall active, this process may be interrupted.  Check your firewall's settings to make allowances for file sharing.  If you're using Windows XP SP2, go into the Firewall Settings and allow "File and Print Sharing" in the Exceptions menu.

If you wish to perform more involved tasks over a wireless network with your Pocket PC, you'll need a third-party application like Network Browser or Resco Explorer.  To find these and more networking Pocket PC applications, see our Pocket PC Network Software page.

 

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