Networking problem

Question

I am attempting to network two home computers, a Dell Dimension L500r, which I recently upgraded to Windows XP pro, and a Dell Dimension 4550, also running XP. I have installed ethernet cards in each and they are connected by a crossover cable. I have made numerous unsuccessful and frustrating attempts to get the network operating, including phone assistance by Dell techs that were completely pointless. I wish to share a printer, scanner, internet (cable modem), and files. At one point, I had managed to get the printer shared by both computers, but that has been lost now as well. The L500r is the computer that is directly connected to the cable modem, printer, and scanner. The 4550 is not.

Looking at the network places on the L500r, it shows shareddocs on Adobe Walls Studio (that's the name for the 4550), shareddocs on the Home computer (the L500r), and shareddocs on the Main computer (also the L500r). I'm sure one of the last two should be eliminated. When viewing network connections, it shows a local area connection with SMC EZ Card 10/100 PCI (SMC1211TX) with properties checked for client for microsoft networks, file and printer sharing for microsoft networks, and internet protocol (TCP/IP). I have NO idea what this card is--perhaps my cable modem card? It also shows a local area connection2 with Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC (my installed card) with the same three connection usages checked as the first.

Looking at the network places on the 4550, it shows shareddocs on Adobe Walls Studio only. When I view network connections, it shows three items: 1) Network Bridge 7 (enabled) with properties that shows both the local area connection and local area connection2 (both checked) and using the following items: client to microsoft networks, file and printer sharing to microsoft networks, internet protocol (TCP/IP), and QoS packet schedule (whatever that is). 2) Local area connection (network cable unplugged) with properties that show an Intel(R) PRO/100 VE network connector and no items used, 3) local area connection2 (enabled/bridge) with properties that shows Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC.

Each time I have attempted to network these computers, I end up losing my internet connection in the L500r completely and have to use system restore to regain it. I have slavishly followed the instructions from the wizard, used the XP pro CD when asked, etc. I'm at a loss as how to proceed. Before I began, I spoke to a Dell tech that (when looking at my systems info) assured me I had no "network card" before I installed the ethernets, so I have no idea what the Intel(R) PRO/100 VE even is. I've gone to some considerable expense and trouble to upgrade my L500r to XP and increased the memory so I could develop a smooth network between my office and studio computers, so as you an imagine I'm very frustrated. I would appreciate any suggestions as to the problem might be.

Ken

ostell · Answer

The bridge that the wizard created could be the problem. Micrsoft articles

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;283429&Product=winxp

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;823305&Product=winxp

could help.

I've had this sort of problem before after using the wizard and deleting the bridge that was created resolved the problem.

Message Edited by ostell on 03-20-2004 04:28 PM

KenAlford · Answer

Tried disabling that.  No good.

ostell · Answer

Did you disable or delete? The tips say delete

KenAlford · Answer

Did both.  Still no good.

volcano11 · Answer

What kind of broadband modem do you have? Is it a USB cable modem, an ethenet modem, or a modem that can connect with either USB or ethernet? How you are currently connecting the computer to the modem (USB or ethernet)? If you modem is capable of connecting through ethernet, you would save yourself a lot of trouble if you went out and bought a cable/dsl router. Otherwise you will have to use the less stable and more difficult to configure internet connection sharing software. I see you have been using the Wizards to set up the network. The problem with the Wizards is that if you answer one question wrong, the network will not work. Try using the tutorial at www.homenethelp.com to manually set up the network. Make sure the Windows XP firewall is disabled on the local connection, as file and printer sharing will not work if it is enabled. If you are running any third party firewalls, disable these firewalls until you get the network to work, then go back and configure the third party firewalls to allow local network traffic.

The Intel(R) PRO/100 VE is a network card, probalby integrated onto your motherboard, so apparently you have two network cards on the 4550. One of them is not connected to a cable that is connected to anything. If you are trying to use internet connection sharing to an ethernet modem, then you need 2 network cards in the computer that makes that connection. One connectes to the cable modem and the other connects to the other computer through a cross-over cable. You were correct to remove the network bridge, but it was likely installed because you have so many network cards.

Note that unless you have a high-end scanner with network capabilities, you will not be able to share the scanner.

Steve

jwatt · Answer

Note that unless you have a high-end scanner with network capabilities, you will not be able to share the scanner.

I recently discovered this marvelous bit of technology that allows any TWAIN-compliant scanner to be accessed over an IP network. They have a demo that allows you to run one of their scanners.

My only connection with RemoteScan is that I'm a very satisfied customer.

Jim

Message Edited by jimw on 03-26-2004 11:52 PM

KenAlford · Answer

Thank you for the responses.  It is a USB connection from a Surfboard SB4100 cable modem.  I'm willing to live with 'somewhat unstable' internet connection from the host computer, as long as I can at least have access some of the time. :)

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