Need Help Setting Up a Network

Cyos · 02-09-2008, 04:48 PM

Okay, I'll start by saying I know next to nothing about networking. I've put in a wireless router once, and that's about it. That said, this forum has always proved helpful in the past, so if anyone can solve this, you guys can.

What I want is to be able to have two PCs share files. Music on one should be accessible on the other; a document on one should be accessible on the other, and so forth. Ideally I'd like to be able to share a single internet connection to, but I doubt that's possible without shelling out some cash. Speaking of which, I want an answer that costs me nothing - free software only, please.

What I have: two PCs, both running WinXP Home Edition SP2, and a length of category 6 cable connecting them. But they don't even know the other exists - a little help?

Like I said, I've always had more success here than through any search engine - I look foreword to seeing what you can do for me here.

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Just thought I should point out - I have no router. Two computers, connected by category six cable. That's it.

johnb35 · 02-09-2008, 05:40 PM

When you are connecting 2 computers without a router you must use a crossover cable, which means the 2 ends are wired differently. You can't use a standard cable. In order to share internet you would have to use ICS on the computer that the internet is hooked up to so you can share it with the other one. You would then have to run the network setup wizard to enable printer and file sharing. Anything placed in the sharing folders on either computer can be seen from other computer, without sharing the whole system. You may not want to spend the money but the easiest thing to do is use a router to share internet and then you have the ability to be wireless if you want.

Quiltface · 02-09-2008, 05:56 PM

http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/ics_xp

this might help.

Cyos · 02-09-2008, 06:33 PM

Excellent - I didn't think a crossover cable would make a difference, but I guess it does. My 2-computer network is up and running; thanks for the help!

02-09-2008, 04:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cyos Bronze Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 57	Need Help Setting Up a Network Okay, I'll start by saying I know next to nothing about networking. I've put in a wireless router once, and that's about it. That said, this forum has always proved helpful in the past, so if anyone can solve this, you guys can. What I want is to be able to have two PCs share files. Music on one should be accessible on the other; a document on one should be accessible on the other, and so forth. Ideally I'd like to be able to share a single internet connection to, but I doubt that's possible without shelling out some cash. Speaking of which, I want an answer that costs me nothing - free software only, please. What I have: two PCs, both running WinXP Home Edition SP2, and a length of category 6 cable connecting them. But they don't even know the other exists - a little help? Like I said, I've always had more success here than through any search engine - I look foreword to seeing what you can do for me here. Thanks in advance! EDIT: Just thought I should point out - I have no router. Two computers, connected by category six cable. That's it. __________________ Mobo: ASUS P5N SLI CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 RAM: 2 GB Corsair Dominator 1066 MHz HDD: Raptor 150GB + Seagate 320GB SATA GFX: EVGA 8800 GTS 640 MB OS: Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit w/ SP1 Last edited by Cyos; 02-09-2008 at 05:00 PM.

02-09-2008, 05:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnb35 Platinum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: IL, USA Age: 38 Posts: 878	When you are connecting 2 computers without a router you must use a crossover cable, which means the 2 ends are wired differently. You can't use a standard cable. In order to share internet you would have to use ICS on the computer that the internet is hooked up to so you can share it with the other one. You would then have to run the network setup wizard to enable printer and file sharing. Anything placed in the sharing folders on either computer can be seen from other computer, without sharing the whole system. You may not want to spend the money but the easiest thing to do is use a router to share internet and then you have the ability to be wireless if you want. __________________ Motherboard - Asus P5B-E CPU - E6600 Memory - 2GB Corsair XMS2 (2x 1gb) Graphics - x1650 pro 256mb Hard Drives - 250GB WD and 250GB Samsung in Raid 1 DVD Drive - Lite-On DVD Burner - Lite-On Power Supply - Ultra 425 watt - upgrading to at least 550-600 Watt 22" Acer widescreen AL2216WBD

02-09-2008, 05:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Quiltface Gold Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Saint Charles, MO Age: 25 Posts: 257	http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/ics_xp this might help. __________________ MCSE, MCSA, MCP, A+, Network+, Security+ CPU:Cyrix MII RAM:8MB 30pin SIMM Audio: AdLib GPU:Hercules EGA Mobo: ASUS (P5A-WA) Display: 12" IBM XT Hard Drive: 30MB HDD Floppy Drives: 2x 5.25 FDD OS: DOS 5 / Win 3.11

02-09-2008, 06:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
Cyos Bronze Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 57	Excellent - I didn't think a crossover cable would make a difference, but I guess it does. My 2-computer network is up and running; thanks for the help! __________________ Mobo: ASUS P5N SLI CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 RAM: 2 GB Corsair Dominator 1066 MHz HDD: Raptor 150GB + Seagate 320GB SATA GFX: EVGA 8800 GTS 640 MB OS: Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit w/ SP1

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