Direct connect 2 computers, problems

[Kronix]

I'm trying to set up a direct connect between two computers using a serial cable and windows. I have set the protocols (IPX)to match (I think) and made sure the bindings were attatched to the adapters/protocols. I have allowed file sharing on the host computer. One computer is using windows 95 and has a 25 pin connection, the other has windows 98 and uses a 9 pin connection which is not a problem because the serial cable I have is dual-ended. After thoroghly exhausting the windows help menu for this topic, I still can't get the computers to connect. I have one set to host and and the other set to dial/connect, but it fails. Has anyone set one of these up before?

[Plaster]

For the computer using the Printer (LPT1) port, make sure the port is installed as "ECP Printer port" and not just "Printer port". Check the system properties Device Manager under Ports. If it only says printer port, you need to reconfigure it. Double click on the port, and click the driver tab. Hit the Update Driver button. Click next then and select "Display a list of all drivers...." and hit next. Select "Show all hardware" and hit next. Highlight "(Standard Port Types)" and select "ECP Printer Port" on the right. Click Next. If it gives you some sort of error saying the driver doesn't work with your hardware, ignore it. Insert your Windows 9x setup disk and when prompted, point it to the CD-ROM drive. After it installs the new driver, reboot. Once you're back in Windows, try to connect. If it doesn't work, you may need to change a setting in your BIOS. The BIOS may have your port configured as EPP or PPP and this will keep you from connecting. Just change it to ECP then save and exit the BIOS and go back to Windows. It should work after this. If it doesn't, then I may have just given myself Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for nothing. Hope This solves you problem.

Plaster

[Dash800]

I dont think hes using a Printer port, it sounds like 25pin Serial -> 9pin serial. Is your serial cable a null modem cable?, in games you need a null modem adaptor, i think you need one for that too. Correct me if im wrong..., Anyway, hope ya get it workin

Dash

[Plaster]

Hey Dash, I know what he's using. It's a 25 to 9 pin connector. In other words, Printer port to serial port. I personally use a 25pin to 25 pin for Direct Cable connection. Anyway, I just didn't want Kronix to see your reply and not see mine. I believe what I posted will solve his problem.

Plaster

[Mike H.]

The cable must be Null Modem. Not the kind you use for external modems and such. Also Direct Cable Connection is not install by default. It must be installed on both machines. One must be set as host with the right com port selected to use(where the cable is hooked to). Then make sure the right com port is selected on the other computer before connecting. I would suggest that you get a couple of ethernet cards, they are way faster. You can buy a complete set to hook two machines together for 50$-60$


Mike H.

Watercooled AMD K6-2 450 @ 500 (100*5) Epox EP-MVP3G Rev. 1.0 Bios 3-01-99 128 Meg PC100 Matrox Marvel G-200 TV 16MB 4.51 Drivers SB Live! Retail.