you have to see if you are running identical protocols since Windows XP changed the default network protocol. the Networking Wizard on XP should have offered to create a disk with the appropriate device drivers for older versions of Windows so that they all use the same network protocol. you will need to install the new drivers onto each of your other machines. one of them appears to have the new drivers already. you need to make sure that they are the same. also, with only 4 computers and a printer, why do you need two switches? one 5 port switch is enough. if you need to add another computer, replacing your existing switch with an 8-port one is the easier solution. there is more work in configuring the switches to allow all packets through that ought to be and also so that you end up with compatible IP addresses across the machines.
Herb....
Hi,
I've setup a un home like LAN using 2 interconnected
5 port switches.
On A switch I'm running WinME and Win98,
on B switch I'm running WinME and WinXP.
One computer at A switch is sharing internet
and a printer.
All the nodes at A switch are able to use
the shared connection as well as the printer.
On the other hand, on B switch all the
nodes are able to use the shared connection,
but the printer is not available on the
nodes using WinXP, neither does these nodes
can see any shared file or even the computer
sharing these resourses (that of A switch).
All nodes on A are able to see all nodes on the net
(A+B). All nodes on B are able to see all nodes on
the net as well, but the nodes on this switch
which are using WinXP, are not able to see the node
on A that is sharing internet connection (which is
running under WinME).
Checked mask, link port, and firewalls, but nothings
seems to be out of order.
So, I NEED SOME HELP HERE P L E A S E ! ! !
Chowhound
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