Wanting to setup my first network with XP Pro/98 SE

[Chomauk]

I'm trying to create a network which will eventually involve three PCs. Right now I have two...one with XP PRO and the other with two partitions consisting of 98 SE and XP Pro.

The PC with just XP Pro will be the main PC and is already connected to the internet via cable modem.

After I re-partitioned the second PC the Ethernet card no longer worked. I tried hooking the cable modem up to it with both OS's but it was never recognized....no PC activity showing on the modem. Because of this I'm assuming the card needs replaced. Then again I may not have installed the correct driver(s).

I want to create a network using one IP address as I don't want to have to pay my ISP for multiple IP addresses. However, I'd like to still be able to update Windows on the 98/XP PC. Is this possible? If not would I be able to unplug the modem from the main PC and use it in the 98/XP PC when I want to update Windows?

As far as I know this is the hardware I need:
Two 10/100 Ethernet PCI Adapters(cards)
Two RJ-45 network cables
One router(Does the router need a WAN port and/or a switch?)

Does it appear as though I've got the right hardware components correct? I also read about needing a Hub and or a LAN switch. Obviously this is new to me so any input would be greatly appreciated.

I've got all the instructions on what to do after I get the hardware hooked but of course there could always be another issue but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

 

[bcastner]

The router should have a WAN port (for the cable modem) and you want at least 4 LAN ports (for your workstations). You do not need additional switches, hubs, etc. You will need to "drop" or "straight-thru" or "patch" cables to connect the workstations to the router.

As to the ethernet adapter not working, try the utility in faq779-4625

 

[Chomauk]

Thanks for the reply bcastner,

The WinSock Fix utility is missing a dll(MSVBVM60.DLL).

What do you mean by "drop" or "straight-thru" or "patch"? Remember I'm a newbie

Will I still be able to connect to the internet with my other machine(s)?

 

[bcastner]

You should have the Microsoft support libraries installed for Visual Basic programs:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FamilyID=BF9A24F9-B5C5-48F4-8EDD-CDF2D29A79D5

What I meant by describing the cables is that if you shop through the internet or through a local computer store you know what to ask for.

If you purchase a broadband dsl/cable four port router from Linksys, D-Link, SMC, Netgear, etc. you can all share the internet connection.

 

[Chomauk]

OK I see. Due to the card problem I wanted to wait to fix it before installing my programs again(VB). I'll re-install VB 6 and then run the utility again.

Since the first two PCs will be side by side a couple 7 foot Belkin Cat6 RJ45M Snagless Blue Cables should do right?

Thanks again and I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Chomauk]

I ran the utility but it did not help. Am I going to have to get another card?

With that in mind are these the components I should get:
ONE
D700-2059 :: D-Link - DI-604 - 4-Port Cable/DSL Router (Recertified)

TWO
C250-1010 P1 :: Cables Unlimited - 7' Snagless Cat5 Black UTP

TWO
10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet NIC Card PCI with Wake on LAN


These are pretty much the cheapest I could find.
Does this look right?

Thanks again for your help

 

[bcastner]

Looks fine.

 

[Chomauk]

Thanks again, I appreciate you taking the time to help me with this.