"Mary Frances" said:
I can't use the network setup wizard because one of my
computers runs 2000 which isn't supported. Is it still
possible to set up a peer-to-peer network with these two
computers. They are each connected to the hub, and the
hub to an ADSL modem for access to the Internet through
our DSL connection.
Thanks
Yes, it's possible to set up a network. It's never necessary to run
the setup wizard on any computer, in spite of what the setup wizard
says.
If you have a hub, not a broadband router, install the IPX/SPX
protocol for file sharing on both computers and 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 with a hub:
1. If your ADSL 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
ADSL 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.
An alternative would be to replace the hub with a broadband router,
connect the ADSL 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 modem
provider, which would save you money if your ISP charges a 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
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.
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