PC networking advice needed

[A.B.Yaffle 24]

Does anyone know if it is possible to network a windows XP pc to a windows 2000 Pro pc? I have been trying to get them connected, but it seems to be an impossible task!

[Martin_s 10]

yep... more than possible...

 

You probably need to disable excess protocols and use on the TCP/IP one... along with making sure you've got the same network group set for both machines...

 

It's a bit of an art really..

[A.B.Yaffle 24]

thanks...

 

problem is, on both pc's the icon at the bottom of screen has a red cross on it, and says "network cable is unplugged" ... even though the cable is plugged into both pc's

[Grim 10]

are you directly connecting the 2 pcs? if so, make sure you are using a crossover cable, not a normal cable! they usually say x-over or something liek that on the moulding of the plug.

[max 13]

If it's XP related you'll get some good advice here:

 

XP Forum

[Skatiechik 10]

Its hardware related not software related if it hasn't detected a network cable plugged in.

 

As Grim suggests, check you have a crossover cable.

[A.B.Yaffle 24]

thanks!

 

Am on way to pc shop to swap cables... the man at shop said this cable i have would work, but it is not a cross over!

[fnkysknky 10]

Originally posted by Martin_s

yep... more than possible...

 

You probably need to disable excess protocols and use on the TCP/IP one... along with making sure you've got the same network group set for both machines...

 

It's a bit of an art really..

 

That's not gonna get you very far unless you enable NetBios over TCP/IP though is it...

 

As for the cable Grim is correct - you either need to use a crossover cable or get yourself a hub/switch but that's overkill if you only intend on using 2 pc's.

[A.B.Yaffle 24]

Got a cross over cable, and got them networked ok at last! Still dont seem to be able to get them to share adsl connection. :-(

[ANGELUS 10]

I've managed to connect two xp home running machines sharing my freeserve broadband connection by using a simple usb-2-usb network cable kit from special reserve magazine.

 

Cost us £27 but works 100%

 

Hope this works for you too m8!

 

Give us a shout if you need a hand and I'll try and help you the best I can

[Cyclone 10]

If the ADSL connection goes into the XP machine you need to enable ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). Then follow the wizard instructions to get the other PC connected via that.