Networking to Win 98 computers...

[ucfhf]

Is there a way to network two Win 98 computers, without using a hub/switch? I have seen the Direct Cable Connect option under Communications, but found that a special parallel/serial cable was required.

 

[Snickle]

.
Read about networking here:

http://www.linksys.com/faqs/default.asp?fqid=15

You could use a NIC in each computer and a cross-over cable between the two.

Direct Cable Connection uses a parallel cable also known as a LapLink cable or InterLink cable.

With Win98SE, you could even have Internet Connection Sharing, one computer with the modem and phone line, other computer can access the 'Net.

 

[ucfhf]

I am trying the dual NIC with crossover. I set the IPs on each as 192.168.1.xx where the xx on each is a different two-digit number. I have enabled file and print sharing on both and have selected files to be shared on each. On the one computer, it is popping up on the Network Neighborhood, but the other isn't. On the other, nothing except the Network Neighborhood icon appears.

 

[ucfhf]

Another point, the winipcfg for the one that shows itself under Network Neighborhood, shows the NIC. The other does not show the NIC. However, under the system Device Manager, it is appearing.

 

[Caluser]

Can you ping the loopback on the problem box?
In a dos window type- ping 127.0.0.1

What is the result?

 

[ucfhf]

Successful ping.

 

[edfair]

try adding netbui as a protocol on both. Helps each other to see. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[Caluser]

Ok that means your Nic should be ok.

Start up in safe mode and delete any NICs in device manager.
Reboot and try adding the drivers again.

As edfair said netbui is a good peer-peer lan protocol but no good for internet sharing.

 

[SoulAssassin]

Beware...one time in device manager I had a nic say it was installed ok, but there was no nic in the winipcfg description of adapters. Make sure it's pushed into the slot properly or try the other pc's nic and see if it gets an ip.

 

[ucfhf]

I will try the slot again, as suggested by SoulAssassin. I thought it odd that it would show as installed in the Device Manager, but not show up on winipcfg. I will also try the NetBEUI option, as suggested by edfair. I will update as I learn more.

 

[wolluf]

I'd endorse Caluser's remove & reinstall approach - this solved similar problem several times for me when I used win98.

 

[ucfhf]

I want to thank everyone who offered their assistance with my problem. The solution that I arrived at:
I added NetBEUI protocols to both computers. Worked like a charm. I opted for this because I did not need Internet sharing.
So, thanks again everyone.