February 22nd, 2006 05:00

sorry cat jumped up on keyboard.

I am trying to hook my dads two computers together.

He has a Dell XPS and another off brand.  Both are running windows XP.

He had two computers connected together directly before, but has replaced one with the Dell.

I have no idea how to get the connection to work between the two.

The off brand computer has been hooked up directly before...it has  3 com etherlink xl 10/100 pci

i am sure the XPS should be compatible some how but i am lost....

I know the cable should work, because it is the same cable he used before.

Any help would be greatly appreciated....dad is driving me nuts!

15 Posts

February 22nd, 2006 11:00

Just plug in the crossover cable and use the Network Wizard in your control panel to make each machine "see" each other.

February 22nd, 2006 15:00

I guess it would help if I explain what he is wanting to do.

He basicly wants the two computers to act as one when he is using either one.

When they are both on they will not be connected to the internet at all.

The "Host" computer will be the only one that connects to the internet, but only when the guest computer is not on.

He thinks this way the Guest comp will never be "on" the internet. Which the way i look at it is not true.

Once you network them together anything on the one will get to the other if it wants to, but he is old and knows everthing....

and he won'y stop bugging me till we get this doing what he wants....
 

February 22nd, 2006 15:00

We have them connected, and have used the wizard.
but we can't "see" they other computer either way(guest to host or host to guest)...
Is there some other setting we have to change? or?
I am lost.
 

31 Posts

February 22nd, 2006 18:00

Act as one as in mirror the actions of one on another? Or act as one as in control both with a single keyboard and mouse?
 
Also is he absolutely sure that its the same cable he had used before? There is a difference between ethernet and crossover and the difference would be the ability to see each other or not see each other.
 
Make sure that both ethernet cards are functional as well as the cable. Plug them both up to your modem or router if you have broadband and see if you can get out to the internet. Check device manager and make sure the ethernet card is enabled etc.
 
Good luck.

1 Rookie

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7 Posts

February 22nd, 2006 20:00

I am using a netgear wireless to network my computers, but you have to change the configuration so they will bridge together>

February 23rd, 2006 00:00

like one is in control over the other...just like another drive connected to the other.

yes we are sbsolutely sure the cable is the same one he had used the last time....its the only one in the house thats 40 ft long...lol.

Im thinking now it is something with the firewall, but haven't gotten anywhere...

or the ip addresses...I don't know....

 

February 23rd, 2006 02:00

Thanks...

I now have it sort of working...the dell sees and can get into the other one.

Just have to work some more to get it to go the other way.

Will work on it some more when i get back from Colorado.

You guys are great!

2 Intern

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12K Posts

February 23rd, 2006 03:00

If you get blocked, it is probably because of an improperly configured third party firewall.

February 23rd, 2006 05:00

I will check that soon as I get back.

Dad is feeling better that we are making progress!!

Thanks again!

 

2 Intern

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12K Posts

February 23rd, 2006 08:00

If you are being blocked to the XP machine, it's virtually guaranteed the firewall issue is to blame.

Another bookmark for you:

www.theeldergeek.com

Tell Dad to "hang tough"..you'll get there

Message Edited by jmwills on 02-23-2006 11:40 AM

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