How do I connect my laptop directly to my desktop

[rufflocks]

They both have the ethernet network card. I have the cable that runs between them. When I connect them, the netwok icons indicate that connections have been established. However, I cannot access any files. What am I missing?

 

[smah]

1st - the cable will have to be a crossover cable.
2nd - if using tcp/ip, you will need to assign static IP addresses.
3nd - firewall software will need to be configured to allow access.
4th - file & print sharing needs to be properly configured.

Have a look at

http://www.wown.com

http://www.practicallynetworked.com

 

[rufflocks]

I did everthing someone suggested on the second website. Nothing worked. I am at the same spot I was yesterday, where the laptop can ping itself but the desktop cannot. I am thinking the problem lies witth the desktop, but I am just not sure.

 

[smah]

What operating systems are being used on each machine & did you check these items?

1st - the cable will have to be a crossover cable.
Are you using a crossover cable?

2nd - if using tcp/ip, you will need to assign static IP addresses.
What static IP addresses are each machine using?

3nd - firewall software will need to be configured to allow access.
What firewall is being used on each machine & how is is configured?

4th - file & print sharing needs to be properly configured.
Has it been?

 

[rufflocks]

smah,
1. yes
2. yes - desktop is 192.168.0.227, laptop is 192.168.0.228
3. firewall disabled on both machines
4. selected "turn on file sharing ...." with network setup wizard on both machines.

 

[rufflocks]

If I take the cable that connects to the cable modem and run it between the desktop and laptop, will that suffice as a crossover cable?

 

[smah]

Probably not, but maybe. Look through the clear plug at the colors of the wires. If you hold the connectors for both ends the same way, is the color sequence the same at both ends or different? See

http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/cable5.htm

 

[rufflocks]

smah

the color sequence is different.

 

[rufflocks]

I have been at it for 3 days straight and it just does not work. I have googled and read several detailed threads, and followed along. Still I cannot get the ping to go through. I will just have to break down and buy the hub or switch. What do those things cost anyway (in US$)?

 

[smah]

Small workgroup type switches (or hubs) can be found retail for less than $40. On the used market, they will be considerably less. However, this might not solve the problem. Make sure that there aren't any additional firewalls - including XP's built-in one and anything that might have been installed with antivirus or antispyware software.

 

[s0121]

I found that the PC to Laptop program networking program worked great...it did walk me thru it 100%... only problem I had was the cable... once I bought a new cable it worked fine..then I found this site:
How to Make Your Own Network Cables Instructions for making CAT 5 straight-thru and crossover network cables ... and running network software, connected together with a crossover cable. ...

http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/cable1.htm

Frank Smith irc.dhcnetwork.com

SomeWhere in Kansas Near Dodge City