problem setting up ad hoc network between XP & Vista laptops

Question

Cannot set up ad hoc newtwork between XP SP3 IBM T43 laptop and Dell Inspiron 1525 running Vista SP1. Procedure: 1.  Create/define ad hoc network on XP machine.  No encription. 2.  Choose to Connect to this network on XP machine.  Wireless Network Connection window shows 'Waiting for the network...'  for a while (minute or 2) then goes away.  Not connected. 3.  A few clicks in 'Network and Sharing Center' and Vista machine says it is connected to this network. 4.  Back on IBM machine, try again to connect to network using the 'IBM Access Connections' program.  It goes thru most of process, then waits at 'Waiting for IP configuration' step and gives up after a minute or so.  The 'Help Me' button passes control to a diagnostic tool screen with this information: The DHCP server on this network failed to respond to the request your system made for automatic IP address configuration.  To force another request, click Repair.  If the problem persists, contact your network administrator.'  There follows a long list of troubleshooting information about Adapter details, TCCP/IP settings, Wireless settings, Internet settings, Security details,Printer details, and System information. 5.  Back on Vista, the 'Connect to a network' screen shows the status of the ad hoc network to be 'Waiting for users to connect. Everything I have read about ad hoc networks makes it sound as easy as anything.  What could be going on here? BTW, I have added the link layer protocol piece to the XP machine and it shows up thru the router-based home network.  But when I am away from that I want to be able to use this ad hoc feature.

volcano11 · Answer

It sounds like both machines are looking at the other for a dhcp server to get an IP address. Since neither machine is running a DHCP server, they never get IP address and can therefore not connect. Have you tired setting static IP address on each machine?

Steve

wttomlinson · Answer

This is beyond my current knowledge. Can you tell me how, or point me to instructions?

Funny there is no mention of this in any reference material I have seen. Does this really work, ad hoc networks?

volcano11 · Answer

For XP, open Network Connections, right click the connection you are using, select Properties, find the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) select it, click on Properties, and choose to enter an IP address. Use something like 192.168.1.1.

For Vista, see the following:

http://www.trainsignaltraining.com/windows-vista-ip-addressing/2006-11-15/

Steve

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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