unable to connect xp pro to xp pro using wizard

  • Thread starter Thread starter oc
  • Start date Start date
O

oc

i have tried several times using the wizard to connect my
desktop (dell with xp pro) with my laptop (ibm with xp
pro), but while it ends the setup saying everything went
well they never see each other.
i'm using a ethernet connectio with a hub, on which is
also connected a DSL line and other two computers which i
don't care to network with.

if someone can give me a hint i'll really appreciate it
ecause i don't know what to do.

thanks
oc
 
I am having a similar problem.

Have you downloaded any updates for WIN XP in the last
few days?

I am beginning to suspect this may be the problem.

Alex
 
i always download securities updates and others that look
useful, but it's a problem i've been having for a few
months now and it's getting ridiculous because i have to
transfer data on CDs.
even someone who knows how to networkd pcs looked at it a
few days ago and left scratching his head.
 
"oc" said:
i have tried several times using the wizard to connect my
desktop (dell with xp pro) with my laptop (ibm with xp
pro), but while it ends the setup saying everything went
well they never see each other.
i'm using a ethernet connectio with a hub, on which is
also connected a DSL line and other two computers which i
don't care to network with.

if someone can give me a hint i'll really appreciate it
ecause i don't know what to do.

thanks
oc
Click to expand...

The answer that follows applies to computers that connect to a cable
modem or DSL modem through a hub or switch. It doesn't apply if they
connect through a broadband router.

Your network setup is described in the Windows XP Help and Support
program. Click Start | Help and Support, search for the topic
"Network configurations overview", and look at the section labeled
"Individual Internet connections".

The solution given there is to install the IPX/SPX protocol for file
sharing and to 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:

1. If your cable or DSL 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
cable or DSL 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 remove the hub or switch, get a broadband
router, connect the cable 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.

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