network problems

[bobsled]

for some reason, i cant get my two pc'c to network together. i have one using windows 2000 office, and the other one using windows xp home. i am trying to network them together with the office o/s being the host. im not using a hub and a router, but using a direct parallel connection (the computers arent that far apart) but i cant get either one to recognize a connection, even when the xp computer is the host. please help!

 

[DelJo63]

If you're using a parallel cable, you need the IPX/SPX protocol.
I think you would do better with a Crossover ethernet cable.
Apparently you only need Print/File Sharing w/o concurrent Internet access.

 

[bobsled]

im kinda new to networking so any tips ya had would be welcome. actually, i wouldnt mind having internet sharing. i just dont know how to do it.

 

[DelJo63]

a common hispeed network looks like

cable/dsl modem---router---several computers​

If your only choice is dial-up, it looks like

telephone---dial-up-modem--systemA---ICS--{maybe router}--other system(s)​

The latter will be a slow pig, but will work if it has to.

Netgear, Linksys, and Belkin make inexpensive 4-port routers that will work nicely.
You might like a wireless router if you have a laptop.

You can get Print/File Sharing running while awaiting the ISP to install and
enable your hispeed service; just cable up the router and systems and await the modem to arrive

 

[bobsled]

i would like to have file and printer sharing as soon as possible...
i have dial-up so i can wait for the cable modem to come in for the net

 

[DelJo63]

ok, go get one router (btw:this is the time to consider wireless) and cable it
like
router --+---systemA--printerA
............+---systemB

all connections are on the LAN side and the WAN side is left empty
enable DHCP in the router and reboot it.
enable DHCP in all systems
enable File/Print Sharing in the firewall
give each system a unique name but exactly the same WORKGROUP (XP defaults to MSHOME which is just fine)

enable File Sharing by right-clicking a folder to be share and use the ADVANCED tab
to enable Allow other to change my files

enable Print Sharing by going to the CP-> Printers & Faxes
right-click the specific printer to be share->properties->sharing

All systems should see and print to the shared printer
and under Network Places->Tools->Map Network Drive will
access the shared folder(s)