Home Networking Problem

[Guest]

Hi, I'm trying to set up a home network with a laptop and desktop computer,
both with Windows XP Pro SP2 installed. I'm using a Cat5e patch cable to
connect them both directly through the ports on the computers. I set them up
using the set-up wizard on XP. I'm not sure if its because of the cable or
the computers. The computers don't even detect each other and I can't ping
the other computer.
Please help

Thanks

 

[Guest]

Hi, I'm trying to set up a home network with a laptop and desktop computer,
both with Windows XP Pro SP2 installed. I'm using a Cat5e patch cable to
connect them both directly through the ports on the computers. I set them up
using the set-up wizard on XP. I'm not sure if its because of the cable or
the computers. The computers don't even detect each other and I can't ping
the other computer.
Please help

Thanks

 

[Eras]

"Harvey Mistry"

Hi, I'm trying to set up a home network with a laptop and desktop computer,
both with Windows XP Pro SP2 installed. I'm using a Cat5e patch cable to
connect them both directly through the ports on the computers. I set them up
using the set-up wizard on XP. I'm not sure if its because of the cable or
the computers. The computers don't even detect each other and I can't ping
the other computer.
Please help

Thanks

Hi,

Sounds like you are using a regular, straight-through, patch cable.

When connecting two computers directly (not going through a router), you
will need to use a crossover CAT5(e) cable.

A crossover cable simply just crosses the transmit/receive lines. (Similiar
to a null modem serial/parallel cable.)

You'll either have to convert this straight-through cable to a crossover
cable (google for the pin-outs) or purchase a pre-fab CAT5(e) crossover
cable. If you convert your own, don't forget to lable it afterwards as a
"crossover". Un-labeled "special" cables have a tendency to come back and
haunt you down the road, i.e. -- forgetting it was a "crossover" and trying
to use it to connect a PC to a router. Standard convention for pre-fab
crossover cables is usually solid red outer shielding, which easily
identifies it as a crossover and not straight ethernet cable.

Cheers!
-ES