xp pro network

[tom2k7]

hi i want to link two computers running xp pro togther. both pcs have nics & i have the right cable which came with cards. both nics are installed properly. i run xp network wizard bot computers with default workgroup name (mshome) but i i cant seem to get the network to work. and the instruction manual i have which came with the nics is for win me so its no help really thanks for your help.

[BipolarBill]

If the two PCs are connected directly, the cable that came with the cards is not the correct cable. You need a crossover cable. Those cables you have will only work when you have a hub or router between.

BTW - you must use the same logon on both PCs too. Don't forget to disable the firewalls in the properties for TCP/IP on each PC.

[tom2k7]

ok ill go get the cable tommrow what do you mean by the same logon i am completley clueless when it comes to networks thankyou.

[BipolarBill]

In other words one PC must know who you are on the other PC or it won't let you connect. If you use the Administrator account with no password on one, you should do so on the other. Otherwise, you must add the username and password from one PC to the other's user database. Use the "Users and Passwords" tool in Control Panel to add the other PC's user.

[tom2k7]

bill i now have a crossover cable when i hook the two machines up via the cable they cannot see eachother. and only on one network card is one led light underneath this led it says FD

[BipolarBill]

If you plan on sharing Internet, do so first. You need IP addresses on the PCs.

Clicl Start > Help and Support on the host machine and search for Internet Connection Sharing. Use it there. That machine will be assigned an address and it will also assign an address to the other PC.