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General discussion

Home Mini Network

Feb 22, 2004 5:05PM PST

Hi.
I am trying to set up a mini network with a desktop connected to broadband internet access as master computer, and my laptop, through an ethernet connection (via ethernet cable and ethernet modems). I have xp home on both Pcs, and McAfee firewall disabled on the master.

Somehow the laptop does not recognize the connection.

Any ideas ?

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Re:Home Mini Network
Feb 22, 2004 5:51PM PST

On the hardware side:

1) A direct NIC to NIC connection requires a crossover CAT5 cable
2) NICs lights should be active and flashing
3) Device Manager should show no disabled devices.

On the software side:

1) Workgroup names should be the same
2) File and Print sharing enabled for that to occur
3) TCP/IP should be installed
4) Internet Connection Sharing should be enabled on the machine connected to the modem for that to occur
5) IP and Subnet addresses should be in the same range.

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Re:Home Mini Network
Feb 22, 2004 7:59PM PST

I spent a lot of time (off and on) trying to get this going with 2 desktops. My systems were connected to each other through a switch and my primary system was connected to the Internet through DSL. My DSL modem would not accept a connection through the switch so I used my primary system as a "gateway". No matter what I tried Internet sharing was iffy at best.

I recently bought a Linksys router (ethernet, for about $60 at Bestbuy), the setup was painless and I have had solid Internet sharing ever since.

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Re:Home Mini Network
Feb 22, 2004 9:33PM PST