XP & 98 Network Connection Issue

[Guest]

okay, so I ran the network connection wizards on both computers, labled
HERMAN (XP) and NORMAN (98) on the same workgroup. both are set up and
recognize that they are part of a network, under the same workgroup name, but
both computers seem to believe that they are a network of one. this of
course, is not what i wanted. i don't care about print sharing or sharing an
internet connection. i just want to share files between the two. and with the
absence of a serial cable to be found anywhere in a 30 mile radius, i gave up
on that and decided to go with this networking thing. i'm not computer
illiterate, but i still can't figure it out to save my life. 5 hours and
counting, i've made minimal progress (at least now each computer recognizes
itself), and from the diagnostics i've run, it appears that my XP machine is
sending bits through the cable, just not recieving any. of course, the 98
machine can't be recieving because it doesn't realize that there is another
computer attached.

tried to use dial-up networking on the 98 machine to connect to the IP on
the XP machine, but it won't let me do it.

i'm at the end of my rope. please help.

thank you.

 

[River_Rat]

How are you connecting the computers?
Router
crossover cable

How do you connect to the internet?

--
Good Day
River Rat




okay, so I ran the network connection wizards on both computers, labled
HERMAN (XP) and NORMAN (98) on the same workgroup. both are set up and
recognize that they are part of a network, under the same workgroup name,
but
both computers seem to believe that they are a network of one. this of
course, is not what i wanted. i don't care about print sharing or sharing an
internet connection. i just want to share files between the two. and with
the
absence of a serial cable to be found anywhere in a 30 mile radius, i gave
up
on that and decided to go with this networking thing. i'm not computer
illiterate, but i still can't figure it out to save my life. 5 hours and
counting, i've made minimal progress (at least now each computer recognizes
itself), and from the diagnostics i've run, it appears that my XP machine is
sending bits through the cable, just not recieving any. of course, the 98
machine can't be recieving because it doesn't realize that there is another
computer attached.

tried to use dial-up networking on the 98 machine to connect to the IP on
the XP machine, but it won't let me do it.

i'm at the end of my rope. please help.

thank you.

 

[Jerry]

Are you connecting them via serial, parallel, or NICs? If via NIC are you
using a cross-over cable? You can also use a hub or router. Did you share
drives or folders? More info required.

 

[Guest]

am connected via an ethernet cable. since it's only two computers, i was told
i didn't need a hub. yes, there are shared folders on each computer, but i
cannot access those folders because neither computer is even recognizing the
other on the same workgroup. when i open the workgroup, each computer
recognizes itself and it's own shared folders, but the other computer.

i connect to the internet using a dial-up modem, but i don't understand why
i need an internet connection when i am not trying to share an internet
connection. because the wizard told me to connect, the host computer is
connected to the internet, but i have no interest in sharing a connection,
only sharing files. my firewall is set up to allow other computers in the
workgroup and home networks to access my shared folders.

-stacy

 

[Chuck]

am connected via an ethernet cable. since it's only two computers, i was told
i didn't need a hub. yes, there are shared folders on each computer, but i
cannot access those folders because neither computer is even recognizing the
other on the same workgroup. when i open the workgroup, each computer
recognizes itself and it's own shared folders, but the other computer.

i connect to the internet using a dial-up modem, but i don't understand why
i need an internet connection when i am not trying to share an internet
connection. because the wizard told me to connect, the host computer is
connected to the internet, but i have no interest in sharing a connection,
only sharing files. my firewall is set up to allow other computers in the
workgroup and home networks to access my shared folders.

-stacy

Stacy,

The Network Setup Wizard asks about your Internet connection because most people
with multiple computers, and an Internet connection, want to access the Internet
from any computer. The Internet sharing service, ICS, includes a DHCP server.
If you setup your host computer as an ICS server, and all other computers as
DHCP clients, all computers have addresses which put them on the same subnet,
which is essential to sharing files.

Is your Ethernet cable a cross-over or patch cable? Only the former is
guaranteed to work. A straigh-thur or patch cable will probably not work.

Having connected the two computers with a cross-over cable,
# Run the NSW on the host, and select Option #1.
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html#ICSHost>
# Run the NSW on the client, and select Option #2 (or simply setup the client to
use DHCP).
# Check the status of other components and services on both computers:
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#Components>

If you still don't have results, provide diagnostic data "browstat status" and
"ipconfig /all" from both computers, and post everything here.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>

 

[River_Rat]

A patch or straight threw cable will not work!!!
You will need a crossover cable!!!
http://www.johnscloset.net/wiring/crossover.html

--
Good Day
River Rat

am connected via an ethernet cable. since it's only two computers, i was
told
i didn't need a hub. yes, there are shared folders on each computer, but i
cannot access those folders because neither computer is even recognizing
the
other on the same workgroup. when i open the workgroup, each computer
recognizes itself and it's own shared folders, but the other computer.

i connect to the internet using a dial-up modem, but i don't understand why
i need an internet connection when i am not trying to share an internet
connection. because the wizard told me to connect, the host computer is
connected to the internet, but i have no interest in sharing a connection,
only sharing files. my firewall is set up to allow other computers in the
workgroup and home networks to access my shared folders.

-stacy

Stacy,

The Network Setup Wizard asks about your Internet connection because most
people
with multiple computers, and an Internet connection, want to access the
Internet
from any computer. The Internet sharing service, ICS, includes a DHCP
server.
If you setup your host computer as an ICS server, and all other computers as
DHCP clients, all computers have addresses which put them on the same
subnet,
which is essential to sharing files.

Is your Ethernet cable a cross-over or patch cable? Only the former is
guaranteed to work. A straigh-thur or patch cable will probably not work.

Having connected the two computers with a cross-over cable,
# Run the NSW on the host, and select Option #1.
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html#ICSHost>
# Run the NSW on the client, and select Option #2 (or simply setup the
client to
use DHCP).
# Check the status of other components and services on both computers:
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#Components>

If you still don't have results, provide diagnostic data "browstat status"
and
"ipconfig /all" from both computers, and post everything here.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>

 

[Chuck]

Stacy,

The Network Setup Wizard asks about your Internet connection because most
people
with multiple computers, and an Internet connection, want to access the
Internet
from any computer. The Internet sharing service, ICS, includes a DHCP
server.
If you setup your host computer as an ICS server, and all other computers as
DHCP clients, all computers have addresses which put them on the same
subnet,
which is essential to sharing files.

Is your Ethernet cable a cross-over or patch cable? Only the former is
guaranteed to work. A straigh-thur or patch cable will probably not work.

Having connected the two computers with a cross-over cable,
# Run the NSW on the host, and select Option #1.
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html#ICSHost>
# Run the NSW on the client, and select Option #2 (or simply setup the
client to
use DHCP).
# Check the status of other components and services on both computers:
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#Components>

If you still don't have results, provide diagnostic data "browstat status"
and
"ipconfig /all" from both computers, and post everything here.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>

A patch or straight threw cable will not work!!!
You will need a crossover cable!!!
http://www.johnscloset.net/wiring/crossover.html

Actually, with newer computers, you may have an Ethernet card with auto-mdix,
and a patch cable WILL work. Given the possibility that may not be true:
A straight-thru or patch cable will probably not work.
...
Having connected the two computers with a cross-over cable,

 

[River_Rat]

Chuck
Yep this is possible but my understanding of Auto-MDIX is that all computers
involved in the networking must be equipped.
Let me know if this is incorrect. Thanks
I do no know for sure but doubt if the 98 puter they are connecting the XP
puter to is not equipped.

--
Good Day
River Rat

Stacy,

The Network Setup Wizard asks about your Internet connection because most
people
with multiple computers, and an Internet connection, want to access the
Internet
from any computer. The Internet sharing service, ICS, includes a DHCP
server.
If you setup your host computer as an ICS server, and all other computers
as
DHCP clients, all computers have addresses which put them on the same
subnet,
which is essential to sharing files.

Is your Ethernet cable a cross-over or patch cable? Only the former is
guaranteed to work. A straigh-thur or patch cable will probably not work.

Having connected the two computers with a cross-over cable,
# Run the NSW on the host, and select Option #1.
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html#ICSHost>
# Run the NSW on the client, and select Option #2 (or simply setup the
client to
use DHCP).
# Check the status of other components and services on both computers:
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#Components>

If you still don't have results, provide diagnostic data "browstat status"
and
"ipconfig /all" from both computers, and post everything here.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>

A patch or straight threw cable will not work!!!
You will need a crossover cable!!!
http://www.johnscloset.net/wiring/crossover.html

Actually, with newer computers, you may have an Ethernet card with
auto-mdix,
and a patch cable WILL work. Given the possibility that may not be true:
A straight-thru or patch cable will probably not work.
...
Having connected the two computers with a cross-over cable,

 

[Chuck]

Chuck
Yep this is possible but my understanding of Auto-MDIX is that all computers
involved in the networking must be equipped.
Let me know if this is incorrect. Thanks
I do no know for sure but doubt if the 98 puter they are connecting the XP
puter to is not equipped.

RR,

One Ethernet card, properly equipped, can make a decision to accept a patch
cable.

Where you can run into problems is with the Ethernet connections at both ends
doing auto-mdix, and neither card able to decide which one should be the x port.

If a computer has Windows 98, that's usually a sign that computer is a bit old
and would not have that capability. Given the slim chance that the other
computer might have that capability, I try to avoid absolutes such as "won't
work". I find "probably won't work" to be more accurate.

Now we see what the OP thinks.

 

[Guest]

okay. neither xp or 98 computer will run "ipconfig/all" nor the "browstat"
command as listed on your tutorial webpages. i ran "winipcnfg" on 98 machine,
and my computer will not release nor refresh my ip address. does this
indicate a problem with the computer itself rather than the network i'm
trying to set up?

ethernet cable is Belkin brand, and reads "RJ45 male to male patch cable"
and "crossover cable!" both on the box.

i have no idea if any of this information is leading anyone towards an
answer, but i don't know really what's even wrong on anything other than a
superficial level, much less how to go about fixing it...

 

[Chuck]

okay. neither xp or 98 computer will run "ipconfig/all" nor the "browstat"
command as listed on your tutorial webpages. i ran "winipcnfg" on 98 machine,
and my computer will not release nor refresh my ip address. does this
indicate a problem with the computer itself rather than the network i'm
trying to set up?

ethernet cable is Belkin brand, and reads "RJ45 male to male patch cable"
and "crossover cable!" both on the box.

i have no idea if any of this information is leading anyone towards an
answer, but i don't know really what's even wrong on anything other than a
superficial level, much less how to go about fixing it...

Stacy,

I wish that Belkin would not label that item both a "patch cable" and a
crossover cable", but I suspect that the title "crossover cable" takes
precedence. Check for other physical possibilities though.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#Physical>

Next, let's renew our efforts to look for a software cause.

The "ipconfig /all" command should work on both computers. Observe spaces
please.
# Type "ipconfig /all >c:\ipconfig.txt" (less the "") into a command window.
# Type "notepad c:\ipconfig.txt" (less the "") into the same command window.
# Make sure that Format - Word Wrap is NOT checked!.
# Copy and paste entire contents of the file into your next message.

Please ensure that both computers are free from unneeded network components.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/fix-network-problems-but-clean-up.html>

Once downloaded and installed, browstat will unfortunately only run on Windows
XP (NT/2000/2003), so we can't really diagnose a browser conflict. But please
disable the browser on the Windows 98 computer, and check and ensure that it's
enabled on the Windows XP computer.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/windows-9x-9598me-and-browser.html>

--
Cheers,
Chuck [MS-MVP Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem - it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.

 

[Guest]

Correct me if I am wrong, Please. Doesn't the problem in networking the two
different operating systems come because to one (XP) is NTFS and the other
(W98) is Fat 32. That is want I have come to understand. I work one a
network that is Peer-to-peer. While I was away another tech put XP one of
the computers and it can't access anything on the network but the internet
through DSL. The others can see the XP one. I was told when I started
trying to solve it that it was the file structures being different that would
not let it work.

 

[Larry]

Not true Jim. I run a network with XP NTFS and Win 95 machine with no
problem with file sharing or anything else.

Cheers,
Larry

Jim wrote:
: Correct me if I am wrong, Please. Doesn't the problem in networking
: the two different operating systems come because to one (XP) is NTFS
: and the other (W98) is Fat 32. That is want I have come to
: understand. I work one a network that is Peer-to-peer. While I was
: away another tech put XP one of
: the computers and it can't access anything on the network but the
: internet through DSL. The others can see the XP one. I was told
: when I started
: trying to solve it that it was the file structures being different
: that would not let it work.
:
: "stacybeth20" wrote:
:
: : okay, so I ran the network connection wizards on both computers,
: : labled HERMAN (XP) and NORMAN (98) on the same workgroup. both are
: : set up and recognize that they are part of a network, under the
: : same workgroup name, but both computers seem to believe that they
: : are a network of one. this of course, is not what i wanted. i don't
: : care about print sharing or sharing an internet connection. i just
: : want to share files between the two. and with the absence of a
: : serial cable to be found anywhere in a 30 mile radius, i gave up on
: : that and decided to go with this networking thing. i'm not computer
: : illiterate, but i still can't figure it out to save my life. 5
: : hours and counting, i've made minimal progress (at least now each
: : computer recognizes itself), and from the diagnostics i've run, it
: : appears that my XP machine is sending bits through the cable, just
: : not recieving any. of course, the 98 machine can't be recieving
: : because it doesn't realize that there is another computer attached.
: :
: : tried to use dial-up networking on the 98 machine to connect to the
: : IP on the XP machine, but it won't let me do it.
: :
: : i'm at the end of my rope. please help.
: :
: : thank you.