Network Cable Disconnected - oh no it isn't!

[Guest]

I am trying to network two PCs, one 98SE and one XP, using an Ethernet card in each and a CAT5 cable. The drivers installed OK on both PCs and 'system' indicates they are working OK. However when I go onto the XP PC to use the network setup wizard, I am confronted immediately with a message that the network cable is not connected and the network icon confirms that with a big red X though it, yet the cable is plugged in. I have checked the cable on another network and it is OK. Should I be using a hub even for just 2 PCs? Help!

 

[Neil Raffan]

Make sure that you are using a crossover cable for connecting 2 PC's
directly.

I am trying to network two PCs, one 98SE and one XP, using an Ethernet

card in each and a CAT5 cable. The drivers installed OK on both PCs and
'system' indicates they are working OK. However when I go onto the XP PC to
use the network setup wizard, I am confronted immediately with a message
that the network cable is not connected and the network icon confirms that
with a big red X though it, yet the cable is plugged in. I have checked the
cable on another network and it is OK. Should I be using a hub even for just
2 PCs? Help!

 

[Haus]

Hello
Without using a hub or router you will need a crossover cable the Cat5
networking cable will not work.
http://www.johnscloset.net/wiring/crossover.html

--
Hope This Helps
Haus
Not a MS-MVP
Not a MVP
Not nothing, just a good ole boy.

 

[Guest]

Many thanks to Neil and Haus for bothering to sort me out. I'll purchase a sross-over cable.