Network used to work

[Viv]

I set up an ethernet network between my Vista Home Premium and Vista Business
computers with an internet connection on my Home computer. It worked
correctly as I could access files on both computers from the other one, and
also the internet was accessible from each. When I switched the Business
computer off, (which did not have the internet connection - USB modem), and
then on again the following morning there was no internet connection to that
computer.

After a lot of changes trying to get the network to work again, and starting
from basics, I now have two computers which cannot even see each other when I
look in Network. The ethernet cable has not been unplugged at either end.

My broadband connection and network are both set up as private on the Home
computer, and also to get IPv6 address and DNS server address automatically.
The Business computer is also set to get IPv6 and DNS automatically.

If anyone has any ideas what I am doing wrong I will be grateful.

Also, would it be better to forget using an ethernet connection with a USB
modem and go for a Linksys router with built in modem, the AM200, or to
persevere and sort out the problem with the current setup?

Viv

 

[Mick Murphy]

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-au/library/bb727037.aspx

The above is a link re file sharing.

I'd dice the modem, and get a Wireless/Modem/ Router.
You are covered for anything in the future then.

 

[Viv]

Thanks, Mick. I have already seen the link you gave me and followed it but
it did not solve my problem. I will have a look at wireless modem/routers
which I had discounted because of the security issues, but I assume that
there is no problem if they are set up correctly.

Viv

 

[Jeffrey Randow]

A modem and a router is the easiest solution, IMO, rather than doing
ICS, IMO...

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

I set up an ethernet network between my Vista Home Premium and Vista Business
computers with an internet connection on my Home computer. It worked
correctly as I could access files on both computers from the other one, and
also the internet was accessible from each. When I switched the Business
computer off, (which did not have the internet connection - USB modem), and
then on again the following morning there was no internet connection to that
computer.

After a lot of changes trying to get the network to work again, and starting
from basics, I now have two computers which cannot even see each other when I
look in Network. The ethernet cable has not been unplugged at either end.

My broadband connection and network are both set up as private on the Home
computer, and also to get IPv6 address and DNS server address automatically.
The Business computer is also set to get IPv6 and DNS automatically.

If anyone has any ideas what I am doing wrong I will be grateful.

Also, would it be better to forget using an ethernet connection with a USB
modem and go for a Linksys router with built in modem, the AM200, or to
persevere and sort out the problem with the current setup?

Viv

Viv,

I'd look at routers, but if possible I would stay with Ethernet. WiFi will not
replace Ethernet, and moving to WiFi without thinking makes no sense.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/wifi-will-never-be-as-fast-as-ethernet.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/wifi-will-never-be-as-fast-as-ethernet.html

Moving to a router, though, does make sense. ICS is a crappy solution for
sharing Internet service - it made sense 5 or 10 years ago, but today it
doesn't.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/ics-is-ok-but-you-can-do-better.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/ics-is-ok-but-you-can-do-better.html

But for the immediate situation, you could diagnose your problem, and get things
working again. Look at logs from "browstat status", "ipconfig /all", "net
config server", and "net config workstation", from each computer. Read this
article, and linked articles, and follow instructions precisely (download
browstat!) (note the command window in Windows Vista):
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.