Network loser

I just don't get it..

[grandpa]

I could use some guidance setting up a home network. Pretty simple, huh? Unless you're me...

Here's what I have:
XP machine
2000 Pro machine
DSL cable modem
Linksys Wireless router (G band)
Linksys Workgroup switch
lots of Cat 5 cable

From the cable modem I connect to the router. From the router I have one wireless internet connection to the XP, and a cabled internet connection to the 2000. This is working.

In each computer I have an extra network adapter card, and from those I've attempted to connect the machines together via the workgroup switch.

To my best knowledge I have set up the TCP/IP correctly on each machine. And I have set up each machine to belong to the same workgroup.

I simply cannot get a network connection established.

My idea was to let the router handle all internet traffic, which has happened. Then I thought the workgroup switch would give me the ability to network the two machines directly. That is not happening. I've tried using a crossover cable and connecting them directly, still no luck.

So, at best I'm a network loser. Does anyone know what I might be doing wrong?

[bill]

With combinations of XP, 2000 and others I've found the easiset way to get the connection going behind a router is to use the NetBEUI protocol. We have a few older threads dealing with this that might help:

• Setting up a home network [webmasterworld.com]
  
• Networking 98 & XP Home [webmasterworld.com]

[kaled]

Just a guess.... Firewalls.

When I set up anything network related, I physically pull the plug on the internet connection and then switch off/disable firewalls. That rules out one possible cause of problems.

Kaled.

[steve]

Just connected a wifi laptop running XPpro to a wired desktop with 2000pro via a router.

After lots of head scratching I discovered you have to turn Zonealarm off while filesharing.

Apparently the paid version of Zonealarm can handle file and printer sharing while the free version can't.

[jdMorgan]

> the paid version of Zonealarm can handle file and printer sharing while the free version can't.

Add the local area network range of IP addresses to the "trusted zone" under the "Zones" tab in the "Firewall" settings.

Be careful, though. If your router is 192.168.0.1, and your machines are 192.168.0.2-254, then add only the 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.254 range to the trusted zone, excluding the router. Requests originating from the router itself (i.e. "the internet") should not be "trusted."

Jim

[aspdaddy]

You can also use built in IPSec Policies instead of or as well as Zone Alarm.

In any case make sure you dont allow netbios (Ports 135-139) through your firewall as it publishes your workgroup names and other details.

But if you block these in 2K/XP it will automatically use port 445 instead so you may want to block that too.

With M$ stuff its probabaly best to block everything and then just unblock what you need to make it work:)

[topr8]

i don't think you need the switch, just connect the two computers to the router (one wireless and the other with the ethernet cable directly)

the computers should be able to see each other...

remember you have to make discs/folders/files to be shareable in order for them to be seen on the network.

i have effectively this set up using a linksys router (although mine is a gateway/firewall too)

....

has each machine now the ability to connect to the internet - i guess yes, in which case you have set up the networking protocols fine.

[steve]

Add the local area network range of IP addresses to the "trusted zone" under the "Zones" tab in the "Firewall" settings

Had a spare 5 minutes so I thought I'd have a go. Works a treat, thank you!

[grandpa]

Well, I'm going to take all this useful info and give it another shot. So far I'm still not connected to anything that I care about... wish me luck.

[wildbest]

First, switch on build-in firewall for your XP machine.

Second, check out if device manager on every machine does show there is unrecognized device or improper driver is installed.

Third, switch on every peripheral device on every machine (I mean really everything, from cables to printers, router, modem, USB devices etc).

On your XP machine go to start>>settings>>network connections. On the top left corner you should see the link "Setup home or small office network". Follow step by step instructions carefully. Sorry to sound like a MS tutorial... LOL

[J_RaD]

wow

you'll have to tell us how your setting this up and also is your switch managed or unmanaged?

this is how you should hook it all up

(internet)
¦
¦
¦
(wireless - ENABLE DHCP)
¦
¦
¦
(switch)
¦
¦
(computers)

the wifi router should get its external IP address from your DSL/cable/whatever then it will give everyone else inside the network its private IP addresses 192.168.x.x is the most common.

so if they arn't getting connection the 1st thing you should do is make sure they are actually getting handed out IP addresses

START > RUN > type in "cmd" then at the console type "ipconfig"

it should say

Windows IP Configuration

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.100
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1

something like this

it SHOULD NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT AN AUTOCONFIG ADDRESS.
if it doesn't then just start taking peices out of the puzzle...... windows firewall WILL NOT BLOCK DHCP requests so you will get an addy even if it is enable.....if you have some 3rd party firewall DISABLE IT.

connect everyone to just the wireless g router.

still no IP

reset it and make sure DHCP is enabled.

give some more info and I can help you out a little more.