How-to Ethernet Help? Please...

Question

Okay, so here's the deal.  I thought i knew what I was doing, but apparently not lol.    Anyway, I have an Inspiron 6000 notebook and Compaq Presario desktop.  The Inspiron has the internal network card, obviously, and my presario has a netgear card.  My brother's Mac is directly connected to the internet via the cable modem (his is in the basement, if that matters).  Both my computers (the inspiron and presario) connect to the internet via the wireless cards.   Now, I just purchased an ethernet cable to connect my notebook and desktop (i wanna transfer docs, print, etc.).  I wanted to do it wirelessly, but that ain't gonna happen lol.    Anyway, when i connect the notebook and desktop, via that ethernet cable, the icon on my notebook (the bottom right hand corner) says that there is 'limited to no connectivity.'  Can anyone explain why, or how, this is possible?  Did bestbuy rip me off and sell me a bum cable?    Can someone here, please, explain how to set up this network (between my desktop and notebook, and if i have to, my brother's Mac) or at least link me to a site with a detailed how-to?    Yes, both my desktop and notebook are behind firewalls, but i don't think that's the problem.    Please? I'd appreciate anything.    Thanks.

jmwills · Answer

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/howto/
http://www.theeldergeek.com/quick_guide_to_simple_file_sharing.htm
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=842242&SD=tech
http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

You will need to purchase a router, preferably wireless if you want to do this wirelessly and then all three machines can share the connection and be shared to each other.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1277020,00.asp

doubldown5 · Answer

Okay, I have a router already.  That's how my desktop connected to the internet.  The cable modem is in the basement, with the router, and my desktop is two floors up with the card.    I don't want to set up this network based solely on a desire for shared internet connection.  I only want to set up a network (if it's possible) between my desktop and laptop.  I want this set up so that i can share my desktop's printer and select files.  Because I don't need my brother's Mac (i don't think i do) is why I bought the ethernet cable to connect the notebook and desktop.  Like I said in the initial post, for whatever reason, that cable produces 'limited to no connectivity' status.

steven troise · Answer

you will need the ip address from the desktops pc. if it has winxp u can go to control panel under network settings and show icon when connected is checked. double click the icon near the clock and look for an ip address. once u have the ip address u have to go to the laptop and with winxp u can click start then run

type this in

\\ the ip address of the desktop

hit ok your desktops printer and any shared folders should popup. hit your printer icon and let it install its drivers. you can now print wirelessly anywhere around the house. MUST BE ABOVE 48MBPS CONNECTED to print otherwise u will get print spool not ready or some other error. if u dont see your folders for the desktop u will have to go to the desktop and make whatever folders u want shared on the network. right click them and choose properties and look for sharing. enable them. hope some of this helps u. i know the printing thing will definitly work

steven troise · Answer

ok in control panel then click  network connections then  click local area connection click support tab. write down the ip address. use that address when u go to laptop. at the laptop do the last post and u should be on your way. sorry for the confusion. its so much easier talking to a person then to type. lol hope it works well for u

doubldown5 · Answer

Yeah, i'm not gonna lie, i have no idea what you said.  Can you please explain it in greater detail?  I know i'm supposed to access Control Panel and then 'Network and Internet Connections,' correct?  I dunno where this 'show icon when connected' is or an icon near a 'clock.'    The rest of your post seems lucid enough so I don't have any questions with that.

doubldown5 · Answer

Hey, sorry for being a pest and for not seeing everything you're saying.

From network connections, which can be opened from right clicking the "Wireless Network Connection" icon in the bottom right of the screen and also from Start > Connect To > Show All Connections, I see the "Local Area Connection" icon, but there is no "Support" tab when it's right-clicked. When it's right-clicked there is "Disable/Enable," "Status," "Repair," "Bridge Connection," "Create Shortcut," "Delete," "Rename," "Properties."

When "Local Area Connection" is double clicked, the only available tabs are "General," "Authentication," and "Advanced."

I hope these constant questions doesn't deter you from helping me some more.

Thanks.

steven troise · Answer

ok if u hit properties click the box that says show icon when connected. im sure that you should see a support tab on the top where it says general in there on top. i dont know any other way to see your ip address so u can use it on laptop   dont do the above on wireless connection it has to be under local lan connection Message Edited by steven troise on 10-16-2005 04:02 PM

doubldown5 · Answer

Holy geez, I finally got it!  I guess that 25 bucks at bestbuy is a waste now.  I finally shared and printed docs between the notebook and desktop.  Wow.  Thanks a mil, Steven!  Yeah, I know this isn't that big of a deal but I spent probably a day and a half trying to figure it out.    FYI: After both PCs connected to the internet, I right clicked the 'signal' bar in the tray and it gives you the IP address.   I have one more question though, do I need to do the 'start > run > ip address of the desktop' each time I wanna print something from my notebook and share a document?  I thought after this initial connection was made, as long as they are both connected to the internet, I can freely share and print documents.  Again, do I have to do the start > run > ip address each time?    Thanks, again!

steven troise · Answer

to print u dont have to do that all the time. that is a 1x thing.   as for sharing files and stuff i am not sure. i had issues with that.  i stopped sharing files.  But printing is awesome. make sure your laptop is connected above 36mbps otherwise like i said u will get error message about print spooling or error saying printer not on network or some other stupid error. u have to be above 36.   glad it worked for u. enjoy printing info and pics from the back yard or front of house.

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How-to Ethernet Help? Please...

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