Network problem w/WinXP and Win98 SE

[GaryB]

I am trying to network (with internet access) two computers, one with WinXP and the other with Win98 SE. I had to contact the ISP, which provides DSL, because there is a static IP address. Once I had that information, the first computer with WinXP connected (hard-wired) with no problems.

Adding the second one, with Win98, is another story. I originally used a wireless D-Link router (DI 524), and a wireless adapter (DWL-G510) which I didn't learned until later was not originally manufactured to support Win98. I was able to download the appropriate driver from D-Link, however, and got the second computer up and running using a wireless connection. Since then though, the person who uses this computer has been complaining of freeze-ups and blue screens.

I then ran a cable (about 100 feet) to the second computer and attempted to connect it to the router using port 2. After resetting the DSL modem, the router, and rebooting both computers, I got nothing. The second computer (Win98SE) cannot "see" the router, nor does the light for that port (2) light up on the router.

Do I have to enter a static IP address for the Win98 computer? What do I use then as subnet mask and default gateway?

Any help, as always, would be greatly appreciated.

[cat5e]

Win 98 Network is much more “touchy” than Win2000 or WinXP.

If you must stay with Win98. Take out the Wireless card delete the entry of the Wireless card in the Device manager, and reboot.

If it does not help you might need to delete the Network settings all together and reinstall it (you need the original Won98 CD).

Giving you a comprehensive answer concerning all the issues that you raised would need Writing a book rather than BBS post.

:cool:

[Ol'Tunzafun]

Check the cable for continuity as well. If the XP machine connects through a cable, then you can just swap it out with the 100 footer to test it.

[GaryB]

I've replaced the RJ-45 ends twice, careful to wire both ends exactly the same.

I've ruled out everything, connecting the computer to my home network with a different cable where it works fine, so I now know it is the cable. I am wondering if I may be having these problems because I did not cut the cable down (100') at the end, where there is probably 10-15' left, rolled in a small coil behind the computer. I laid the cable above a dropped ceiling and it runs next to some flourescent lighting fixtures. Would any of this be cause for the connection not to work?

Thanks again for your time and help.

[dip switch]

when you set up your router you should make it DHCP and set your computer to obtain ip automatically. This way you don't have to worry about ip's and gateways.

[cat5e]

Adding 15’ beyond 100’ would not matter (the worse it would degrade a little the signal).

However most Network Cables that are crimp by armatures do no work well or do not work at all.

100” commercially made CAT5e is only $12, http://www.computergate.com/products/item.cfm?prodcd=CNWTCE1Z

:D

[GaryB]

I had the wiring of the ends wrong. Plus, I was not stripping the casing far enough back for the individual wires to get in far enough to be crimped by the contact pins.

Thanks for your advice and help.