How to setup a Local Area Connection Problems

[P&L]

I'm trying to connect my laptop to my desktop using a RJ45 crossover cable.

I've used the "Setup a home or small office network" at the end of which I
get a "Limited or no connectivity" status.

If I turn off the laptop, I get the "Local Area Connection - A network cable
is unplugged" icon, so I know the cable is good.

I can ping the laptop from the desktop, but can't ping the desktop from the
laptop.

I've tried the "Repair Local Area Connection" option with no success - I get
a response stating it could not renew my IP address.

Any ideas?

 

[Guest]

If you run xp with SP2 try firewall,exceptions,add port.

 

[Guest]

Have you been here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/getsetup.mspx

MD

 

[Ron Martell]

I'm trying to connect my laptop to my desktop using a RJ45 crossover cable.

I've used the "Setup a home or small office network" at the end of which I
get a "Limited or no connectivity" status.

If I turn off the laptop, I get the "Local Area Connection - A network cable
is unplugged" icon, so I know the cable is good.

I can ping the laptop from the desktop, but can't ping the desktop from the
laptop.

I've tried the "Repair Local Area Connection" option with no success - I get
a response stating it could not renew my IP address.

Any ideas?

1. Make sure the Windows XP firewall is *turned off*, at least until
you have the network configured and working properly.

What I.P. addresses are you using on these computers? With no DHCP
server present you will have to manually configure these. Normal
practice is to use addresses in the 192.168.xxx.yyy range where xxx
and yyy are 3 digit values between 0 and 255. xxx must be the same on
both machines and yyy must be different. The subnet mask must be
255.255.255.0 on both.

The workgroup name (Control Panel - System - Computer Name in Windows
XP) must be the same on both machines and the computer names must be
different.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[P&L]

Tried that - and when I run the Network Wizard I get a "Error setting up
network" window.

 

[P&L]

This is getting stranger and stranger.

I now have both in the 192 range and set to 255.255.255.0. I now show a
solid LAN connection with the icons and on the desktop numerous kb of data
being sent and received. I can log into the internet with the laptop
through the desktop. However, I cannot ping either computer with these new
IP addresses. Nor can I access any shared folders. On the desktop when I
go to My Network Places, I show no shared folders nor any network connctions
of any type: on the laptop I only show my laptop shared folders.

Getting closer - appreciate your help.