Networking computers

SephirothJenova · Post by **SephirothJenova** » Tue Jan 06, 2004 3:45 pm

I was wondering if I could somehow network my new and old computers together so I would have an easier time transfering files. Also, I think that I'm able to share my cable modem connection this way without a router. I don't want to take my old computer's HD out of it and transfer all the files from it by putting it into my new computer. There has to be a way by just wires and such. Any sites with pictures and step by step processes would be much appreciated.

Oh, my old computer is running on Windows 98 and my new one is on Windows XP. Is that going to be a factor in the networking?

Sephiroth

klinky · Post by **klinky** » Tue Jan 06, 2004 10:42 pm

If you want to share your modem between both, you'll need three network cards & two cables. One needs to be what's called a 'cross-over' cable. This is normally used to hook two hubs together, but it can also be used in a hubless network between two computers.

The other cable would goto your modem...

I would have two network cards in your XP box then connect the cross-over cable to your Win98 box. Hook the modem up to the XP box with the other cable(you probably already have this cable hooked up at the moment).

Once you've verified that both computers are connected to each other(double click My Network Places(XP) or Network Neighborhood(98), then hit Entire Network. Look for both computers listed there) and you've made sure the internet works. Open up the Control Panel on the XP machine, goto your Network Connections, then right click on your cable modem connection, choose properties & hit the 'Sharing' tab. There should be a checkbox to share the internet connection. Reboot both computers and you should be good to go.

There may be some differences, such as if your cable modem hooks up via a USB cable instead of a network card. If that was the case, you wouldn't need two network cards in the computer, which may be helpful if you're afraid of opening your box up.

Also you probably want to make sure that both computers have unique names and are in the same workgroup.

XP:

Right click My Computer, hit properties, Identifcation tab, hit properties.

98:

Right click Network Neighborhood, hit properties, identification tab...

-Klinky

SephirothJenova · Post by **SephirothJenova** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 2:16 pm

I tried it with a USB post, but it says that I need a the driver for it. I can't find the CD for it so that's out of the option for right now. Also this computer (Windows 98) doesn't have Network Neighborhood anymore for some reason. Would I have to reinstall it back from Windows 98 Second Edition CD or is there a download link from Microsoft somewhere?

Thanks for the response klinky. I thought everyone was ignoring me. I'll be indebted to you forever if I can make this thing work.

Sephiroth

madmag9999 · Post by **madmag9999** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 5:37 pm

i wouldnt sugest doing it the way klinky said. i tired it and it didnt work for me my networker friend said it works from time to time on diff computers. i suggest u get a 4 port router thats the same one i have costs $30 and works great. then ull need 3 cross over cables u prolly alreayd have one going from your modem to your comp. so take the modem and connect it to the wan line in the router then take the other 2 cross over cables and connect them to port 1 and 2 in the router and then to the comp's. then the software part is the same as klinky said. the router is a little more then a networking card but it will definitly work. like i said i tried the 3 card way and it wouldnt work for me i had some of my friends try to help and couldnt becouse the comp only recognized one card at a time. and about network naiborhood i think u would have to reinstall it from the windows cd im not to sure about that.

klinky · Post by **klinky** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 6:06 pm

Seriously

.

Using a box as a router is common practice. A single computer with two NICs is used all the time for ICS/ipchains internet sharing on a network. His situation is just different since he will not be using a hub.

If you disconnect all your network devices then network neighboorhood will disappear. If you have a network device in your computer then it should show back up on your desktop. If it doesn't, maybe getting TweakUI will help you re-enable it. I believe there are other ways to get to it via the start-menu/my computer, but I am not sure anymore since I haven't used '98 in a long time.

Routers require a hub, unless you're getting a hub/router combo, which if the router portion goes out on you or doesn't work the way you want it to, you'll have to get a new router anyways. >_> <_< Something like that. Plus it's $30.

What kind of modem do you have? Look on the bottom of it, should be a model #. Goto the website of the modem maker and you can get the USB drivers... That way.

If you can do that you may not have to buy another NIC at all, you'd just enable sharing on your modem connection. The modem should show up as a standard network connection when hooked up via usb...

-Klinky

madmag9999 · Post by **madmag9999** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 6:13 pm

u dont need a hub for a 4port router i dont have a hub and my router dont have a hub and it works. maybe u can get a network working with 3 cards but i couldnt for some reason. i would argue more but im sick and dizzy so im just gone leave it at that do what u want SephirothJenova.

SephirothJenova · Post by **SephirothJenova** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 6:29 pm

Wow, actual conversation on one of my topics. So surprised! I'm going to try out klinky's way first, so that I won't have to spend an entire $30 for a router and stuff, just the money to buy another NIC. My new computer hasn't arrived yet and I would actually have to install the NIC first. Thanks for your help guys and I'll post again to tell which method worked for me.

Sephiroth

Corran · Post by **Corran** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 6:39 pm

madmag9999 wrote:u dont need a hub for a 4port router i dont have a hub and my router dont have a hub and it works. maybe u can get a network working with 3 cards but i couldnt for some reason. i would argue more but im sick and dizzy so im just gone leave it at that do what u want SephirothJenova.

A four port router is basically a 4 port switch combined with a router. You can get them separatly.

Besides, 1 crossover cat5 cable and 2 nics is still cheaper than 2 cat5 cables, 2 nics and a router/switch.

What Klinky is describing will work, a few of my friends have done it before. The only problem is that when he wants to use the internet on the Win98 machine, the XP machine will also have to be up and running.

SephirothJenova · Post by **SephirothJenova** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 4:23 pm

I tried downloading the USB driver for the cable modem, but it didn't work. Would I have to burn it to a CD for it to work or something? Or should I just call up my cable provider (Charter Communications) to have them send me a driver disc?

Sephiroth

klinky · Post by **klinky** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 4:27 pm

Who made your modem? And what's the model # ?