Networking two computers using a cross-over cable

Question

I have two computers running Windows XP which are directly connected to each other by way of a cross-over cable.  One computer (the older one) shows an icon in the lower left of the taskbar as 'connected'.  My XPS 400 computer shows an icon with 'Limited or no connectivity'.  Yet, I am able to transfer files (in each direction) between the computers by way of that cross-over cable. I'm fine with this set up EXCEPT when I reboot my XPS computer, it takes much longer to complete that boot because it's trying to obtain an IP Address that it will never get.  I tried repairing the connection but it still gets no IP Adress.  When I Disable and then Enable it again, I still get the 'No IP Address Obtained' and 'Limited or no conectivity'. Can anyone explain to me why it can not obtain an IP Address when it's trying to get one (does it REALLY need one?) and why would I get a 'Limited or No Connectivity' balloon when the connection between the two computers seems to be working just as it should? Thanks in advance for your help.

davejohn · Answer

You might want to try the Networking Forum. Dave

Ghanima · Answer

my guess... and this is a guess only, is that the computer that is able to obtain an IP address - is connected to a high speed internet service.  via USB cable? and the other computer that gets the 'limited...' is simply trying to pull an IP address from the PC its connected too, but cannot due to the fact that that machine may not have a DHCP server setup...   Can you verify what IP address you get from the system that DOES NOT have that error?

brettbeme · Answer

More about my setup: I have a wireless USB adapter (Linksys) on both computers. And my XPS 400 is the main computer I'm using to access the internet. Although I can access the internet on both computers using their own, seperate device.

GHANIMA: the IP address I have on the computer WITHOUT the error is as follows: 169.254.131.153. The IP address on the computer WITH the error is as follows: 169.254.195.4.

I know I said previously that the XPS 400 was not able to get an IP address, but I was wrong. It is able to get one. But I still have the problem of "Limited or no conectivity".

Here's what happens when I tell it to repair the Local Area Connection: It tries for about 2 minutes to "Renewing your IP Address". Then I get a "Windows could not finish repairing the problem because the following action cannot be completed: Renewing your IP address"

And yet, if I look at the "Status" of that connection, I get an IP address of 169.254.195.4.

If this connection is strictly set up to directly connect these two computers together only, then does it really need an IP address?

Again, the connection between the two computers are working just fine. I'm just getting this "Limited or no connectivity" balloon.

Thanks,

Brett

cahallmxj · Answer

brettbeme: Did you double check to make sure that both computers are keeping their static ip / and on the same workgroup name? As one of the others pointed out are you connecting to internet over broad band which you usually have to set your network to obtain an ip automatically?

brettbeme · Answer

Do I really need an IP Address for directly connecting to another computer?

Capt._Bobby · Answer

You may find this helpful.

http://www.buzzons.co.uk/tutorials/XP_Networking/Setting_up_a_Local_Area_Network.pdf

I have my XPS600 linked to my home built machine with a crossover cable so I can formation fly my Flight Simulator. Just remember that when inputing the last number of the IP address, make them different.

Message Edited by Capt._Bobby on 03-03-2006 08:33 AM

Message Edited by Capt._Bobby on 03-03-2006 08:34 AM

doureadsutterka · Answer

What operating system is installed, window media center 2005?

brettbeme · Answer

yes

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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