Trouble networking two XP computers

[Nathan Sokalski]

I have two XP computers that I want to network using a crossover cable. They
both have an ethernet card and I have them physically connected with the
crossover cable, but I am having some problem that I cannot figure out with
the configuration. I have run the network wizard on both of them, and I am
still unable to connect. I think the problem is somewhere in a setting that
the wizard does not modify, even though it has to be a certain value. My
reason for networking the computers is to use ICS. The host will be the
machine that has Windows XP Pro, and the other has Windows XP Home. If
someone could give me exact detailed instructions as to what every setting
needs to be (including what services, if any, need to be enabled, as well as
anything else that would not normally be changed). Both machines are able to
connect to the internet when connected directly, so I know all the hardware
is OK. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Robert Jacobs]

How are you connecting to the internet? Broadband or Dial Up? Ethernet
connection to modem or USB?

 

[Nathan Sokalski]

My host computer, the Windows XP Professional machine, connects to the
Internet using DSL.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I have two XP computers that I want to network using a crossover cable. They
both have an ethernet card and I have them physically connected with the
crossover cable, but I am having some problem that I cannot figure out with
the configuration. I have run the network wizard on both of them, and I am
still unable to connect. I think the problem is somewhere in a setting that
the wizard does not modify, even though it has to be a certain value. My
reason for networking the computers is to use ICS. The host will be the
machine that has Windows XP Pro, and the other has Windows XP Home. If
someone could give me exact detailed instructions as to what every setting
needs to be (including what services, if any, need to be enabled, as well as
anything else that would not normally be changed). Both machines are able to
connect to the internet when connected directly, so I know all the hardware
is OK. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

I've written a web page with full instructions:

Windows XP Internet Connection Sharing
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics

If either computer has a firewall program installed (Norton, McAfee,
Trend Micro, ZoneAlarm, etc), make sure that it's properly configured
to allow access on the local area network.
--
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.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Gordon]

I have two XP computers that I want to network using a crossover cable. They
both have an ethernet card and I have them physically connected with the
crossover cable, but I am having some problem that I cannot figure out with
the configuration. I have run the network wizard on both of them, and I am
still unable to connect.

Have you ensured that each machine has an IDENTICAL user set up, with an
IDENTICAL password and IDENTICAL access rights?