VANITY: Computer Networking Problems

[AppauledAtAppeasementConservat]

No doubt someone has probably already answered you by the time I write this.

It sounds like youa re trying to connect to machines directly together with a straight through network cable. It takes a crossover cable to do that around $7-$8 at circuit city. Be sure it says crossover on the package. A hub or switch or even a router for cable/dsl (all around $30-$40) can also be purchased but you'll need to buy a couple more straight through cables to connect.

Personally I would go ahead and get a router if you are planning to go dsl or cable in the future.

[Keith in Iowa]

>>If we purchase a "cross-over" cable would that help?

That would do it.

[RandallFlagg]

Bookmarking for when I'm going to have to go through this nightmare after I finish building my gaming 'puter....

[Air Assault]

Awesome!! Thanks for all your help! Now maybe we can move on to something a wee bit more exciting for this New Year's Eve! Have a Good One!

[vavavah]

need to transpose your trans/rcv between each unit

[not_apathetic_anymore]

Bookmarking for when I'm going to have to go through this nightmare me too...probably within the next month

[RandallFlagg]

Gaming system? What are ya building?

[tet68]

Linksys is what I use too, got a dual port switch so I can run both computers off one monitor/keyboard/mouse.

It was that or try and transfer too much from my first computer. An IBM I bought new for big bucks years ago
and my better/faster compaq which I found in a dumpster. Yuppies, who can figure?

I really love this Compaq though, it's a deskpro and the insides open like a book, so much easier to work on,
plus it's faster and has more memory than the one I paid
2+grand for, of course the hard drive does lock up at times
from catlitter in the dumpster but I just unplug it turn it
upsidedown and shake it and bang it goes back to work. Hehe.

[Air Assault]

Thank you everyone for your input. My wife seems to agree with Keith in Iowa about the "cross-over" cable. Thats because she read the book with instructions, lol.

I'm outta here, we have a party to go to. I hope you all have Happy and Safe New Year!!

[Constitutional_Republican]

The router is probably the best way to go. I use an SMC barricade router that works great. It provides a connections for an anlog modem or a cable/DSL modem for internet sharing.

The model I have also has a printer interface to allow use to share printer access without having to use one of the machines for access. That way any computer can print regardless of the state of the other computers.

I have also used Linksys routers and they work well. The router, hub and switch stuff seems to be solid. Just stick with a known name like Linksys, Netgear, SMC and so on and it should flow smoothly.

The crossover cable is fine too if all you want to do is connect the two machines and do it cheaply and easily. In some ways the routers can make it easier since they can assign IP addresses and make the setup simplier.

Good luck.

[skip2myloo]

You can connect two computers running WinXP in a peer-to-peer network, but it ain't easy. Peer-to-Peer networks require a protocol known as NetBEUI, and WinXP and Win2000 don't support NetBEUI.

In addition to a "Network Crossover Cable," you'll have to go back to an earlier version of Windows (at least Win98) to get the two required files and copy them to each computer as described below.

Then, you'll also have to set up (configure) a bunch of "shared" resources so the two 'puters can share information only from those specified locations.

In other words, you still won't have a true network interface.

"NetBEUI (NBF) is a non-routable protocol suitable for small networks.

Support for this protocol in Microsoft Windows has been discontinued.

If you are instructed by the Product Support Personnel to install this protocol as a temporary measure, follow the instructions below.

Installation instructions for NetBEUI protocol on Windows XP and Windows 2002.

* copy nbf.sys into the %SYSTEMROOT%\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ directory

* copy netnbf.inf into the %SYSTEMROOT%\INF\ directory

* open network connection properties and use "Install..." button to add NetBEUI"

You can go to the Microsoft web site and search for knowledge base articles that go into greater detail.

As others have suggested, it is easier, better and far less frustrating to set up a true network using a simple hub or router.

[OSHA]

It may be easier just to shout back and forth at each other. Any files you need to share, just fling the CD frisbee style.

[Air Assault]

just fling the CD frisbee style

That would be okay as long as it's me thats doin the flinging.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Spend about $60-$70 for a decent router. Bestbuy, CompUSA, Staples have them. There are thousands available online. This will do the networking and provide a good hardware firewall to close down the ports of both PCs to protect them from intrusion via the internet.

99% of routers are plug and play, literally. You might not even need the Wizard except to setup file and printer sharing which is real easy and outlined in the manual that comes with most routers.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

when I'm going to have to go through this nightmare after I finish building my gaming 'puter....

Shoot me some Freep mail if you get stuck. I've been through all of it and have assisted a number of Freepers with numerous PC issues.