I have 2 machines each running XP. Both machines are connected to the
internet thru a hub. Both machines can access the internet and I can ping one
machine from the other but ONLY if my ADSL internet connection is plugged in.
Neither machine can see the other on my network. Each machine has a unique
name and they are both part of the same workgroup.
This answer applies to computers that connect to a cable or DSL modem
through a hub or switch. It doesn't apply if they connect through a
broadband router.
Your network setup is described in the Windows XP Help and Support
program. Click Start | Help and Support, search for the topic
"Network configurations overview", and look at the section labeled
"Individual Internet connections".
The solution given there is to install the IPX/SPX protocol for file
sharing and to disable file sharing on TCP/IP. I've written a web
page showing how to do it:
Windows XP Network Protocols
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/network_protocols.htm
There are two reasons to use IPX/SPX instead of TCP/IP for file
sharing:
1. If your cable or DSL provider assigns IP addresses in different
subnets to your computers, it isn't possible for them to communicate
with each other using TCP/IP.
2. Since your computers connect directly to the Internet through the
cable or DSL modem, they receive public IP addresses that are
accessible by everyone on the Internet. Using TCP/IP for file sharing
could let other people access your shared files.
A good alternative would be to replace the hub with a broadband
router, connect the cable or DSL modem to its WAN port, and connect
the computers to its LAN ports. In that case:
1. You'd only need to get one IP address from your cable or DSL
provider, which would save you money if there's an extra monthly fee
for more than one IP address.
2. The broadband router would assign private IP addresses to your
computers. Private IP addresses aren't accessible by other Internet
users, so your network would be safe.
3. You could use TCP/IP as the only network protocol, with no need for
IPX/SPX.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
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