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danolie1

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Connecting 2 XP PCs via crossover cable

I have a Dell Latitude Laptop running XP pro and I just purchased an ethernet card for it and installed the card.

I want to connect the laptop with my home computer, a Dell Dimension running XP Home... and I want to do it without buying anything else! :-) From what I've read, I should be able to do it without buying a router... just using a crossover cable.

My primary goal is to be able to share files, as I travel and want to be able to sync some of the files before I leave. I found some great software that looks to meet my needs in this area, (easy2sync and easy2sync for outlook) so I just need to actually connect the 2 computers. The software works with any network connection. A secondary goal is sharing the desktop's internet connection (a high speed connection coming into the ethernet connection in the back of the computer from a high speed modem supplied by my ISP, QWEST), but that isn't as important. It doesn't look like that's too complicated once the connectiion is set up using the XP shared internet function.

After doing some research, I purchased a USB to network converter for my desktop, and a crossover cable (yes it is a crossover cable and  not a regular ethernet cable). I've read SO MANY posts describing what to do, and frankly I'm just confused and am looking for a simple (for dummies) step by step instructions on how to proceed now that I have the hardware. I'm off to a bad start, as the first time I connected the hardware, my desktop seems to recognize a 2nd Local area connection, but the laptop just freezes up right after it starts up. This doesnt' happen when that corssover calbe is not connected.

So... given all of that, if you can help me to get this set up... step by step, it will have been MORE than worth the premium membership. I'm going nuts... LOL. Thanks in advance. Please let me know what clarification you need. I really haven't done much as far as trying to configure the software side of things, so start me out from step ONE... (do I need to connect the 2 computers when they are off, then turn them on?) Like I said... starting from ground zero!

Thanks in advance!

Dan

PS... this is assigned as "difficult" by me because I'm stumped and need clear simple isntructions and hope to get this straightened out ASAP as I'm headed on the road soon. "Talk to me like I'm 5." LOL
Avatar of chad
chad

Hi danolie1,
> laptop just freezes up right after it starts up
This can not and is not good.  What HARDWARE are you refering to?  the cable?
Reboot the laptop and wait til it is completely started and good to go.  Then connect the crossover cable.  do you still have problems?

Chad
If your laptop is freezing after boot when you are using the crossover cable, I'd contact the manufacturer or vendor of the card that the cable is plugged into.  Your laptop should not freeze when this card is in use.  Worst case, it might not do what you want.  At a guess, I'd say it is a driver issue.
Your laptop may be set to try to obtain network configuration from the network if it's connected.  If that's the case, the boot process will pause much longer than you're used to, but it WILL time out within three minutes (probably less) and complete the boot.  Have you waited that long?

In order to communicate over the cable, the PCs will need compatible addressing and configuration.  Although you don't need connection-sharing to work right away, the configuration process for that will, as a side effect, set up the details for local connection.  (On the other hand, trying to add connection-sharing later to a working local config can be problematic.)

So, I'd set up connection sharing on your desktop, boot the laptop disconnected, plug in the cross-over cable, and complete the sharing config on the laptop.  There are still issues you might run into at that point, but you'll be able to test basic functionality and track those down.
Avatar of danolie1

ASKER

Kabaam, when I said "hardware", I was just referring to the network card I got for the laptop, the crossover cable, and the USB - network converter I got.

Anyway, I followed kabaam's advice and booted up the laptop then connected the PC card and crossover cable. All seems to be working OK now. What next?
Run the network wizard
click start.. .. my  computer...
click on my network places on the left side
click on set up home or small office network
Do it first on the desktop .. then laptop


Back to hardware.
The PC card... are the drivers instead and ready to go.
kabaam, the drivers on the PC card are installed. I tried running the set up home or small office network wizard n the desktop... it takes me through the whole thing... (selected "this computer connects directly to the internet... then I choose the local area connection as the internet connection (it shows the other connection that I named "network" - the USB - network adapter) name the computer "DESKTOP" and the group "MSHOME" then it brings me to a summary page that looks like this:

Internet connection settings:

Internet connection:      Local Area Connection
Internet connection sharing:      enabled
Internet Connection Firewall:      enabled
_______________________________________________________________________
Network settings:

Computer description:      desktop
Computer name:      DESKTOP
Workgroup name:      MSHOME

The Shared Documents folder and any printers connected to this computer have been shared.
_______________________________________________________________________
Connection to your network:      Network

and then I press next and it says "an error occured during configuration of the network on this computer. You can configure the network manually or you can run the wizard again with different settings.

Any thoughts?

Dan
>You can configure the network manually
That is normally how I do it ... thought the wizard would be easier.. guess not

on the desktop
click start
mycomputer
mynetwork places
viewnetwork connections.

double click the connection that goes directly to the internet....properties... advanced
click the box to allow network users to connect through this computers internent connection.
unselect the box at top that says protect my computer.... Internet connection firewall
click ok..ok...

Kabaam... thanks for all the help. Here's the latest when I try to set up the connection as you described above: Error: The dependency service or group failed to start.
ok.. not pretty.
click start
control panel
administrative tools
event viewer.

check the logs to determine exactly what service or group failed to start.


click start
control panel
administrative tools
services

check the following services to see if they are STARTED. if not double click them and start

application layer gateway service
network connections
remote procedure call (RPC)
Network location awareness (NLA)
AFD network support envir..
TCP/IP protocol driver
IPSEC drive
Remote access connection manager
telephony
Plug n play
Internet connection firewall (ICF) / Internet connn...

normally this should not happen... should be easier than this ;-)


I ran MSConfig on the desktop, and under settings activated

Remote access connection manager
Remote access auto connection manager
Routing and remote access

as those weren't checked. It then let me finish the wizard.

What now?
sweet...
On the laptop
click start
my computer
mynetwok places
viewnetwork connections.
double click the option for the pc card connection... properties

in the middle box click on tcp/ip  ... click properties
in properties select.... obtain ip address auto
same for the dns settings below... obtain auto
ok..ok...

you should now have AT LEAST ... internet access on the laptop...

next you need to share a folder of files on the desktop
right click the folder at select sharing
give it a name
arrrgh... *feel the frustration* ...OK... no internet connection on the laptop, and when I try to share a file, I get the following error: the server service is not started.

I don't know if any of this will help... but here's what things look like on this end:

Desktop:
 
Under network connections, I see:

INCOMING:
Incoming Connections
no clients connected

LAN or HIGH SPEED INTERNET:
Network
Enabled
Belkin USB to Fast Ethernet Adapter (this is the crossover cable)

Local Area Connection (this is the network cable out to the high speed modem)
Enabled, Shared
Broadcom 440x 10/100 integrated controller

Under My network places (still desktop) there is just the butterfly icon w/My network places on MSN

LAPTOP:
Under network connections, I see:


LAN or High-Speed Internet
Network
Enabled
Linksys EtherFast 10/100 Integrated PC Card

Local Area Connection
Disabled
3Com 3C920 Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller (this is probably the one for the docking station, which I don't use). The laptop itself has no other ethernet port other than the Linksys card)
Clarification on the previous... when I try to share a file from the DESKTOP I get that error. the laptop lets me configure folders for sharing just fine.

In fact, under my network places onthe laptop, it lists under "local network"
both folders that I selected for sharing.
OK... update... I activated Server under administrative tools. Now I'm able to designate shared folders.
Ok... do you know why microsoft decided to call it windows?
because that is where the computer ends up flying through when problems like this arrise. ;-p

click start
my computer
mynetwok places
viewnetwork connections.
double click the LAN for the crossover cable.... properties...

in the box you should have these items with a check box
Client for MS networks
file and print sharing...
internet protocol...

you may also have
qos packet sched...

all need to be there and checked.
if need be INSTALL the services that are not present.

if that fails go to the services snap-in and start these
server
workstation

try the sharing again and remember that tossing a PC out the Windows may be fun but expensive. ;-)
OK... thanks for sticking with me! I now have my "my documents" folder shared on my desktop. BUT... my desktop still doesn't show up under my network places on the desktop or on the laptop.

I haven't thrown the computer out the window yet!
lets check the physical connectivity.

from the laptop
click start
run
type CMD
type IPCONFIG /RENEW

what results?

type IPCONFIG /ALL

what results?

type PING 192.168.0.1

what results?


IPCONFIG /RENEW - this will attempt to contact the desktop to get IP addressing information
IPCONFIG /all - this will display the current IP info
PING 192... - this will send a packet to the desktop and it will be bounced back.  shows all connectivity is good

When I try IPCONFIG /RENEW, from the C:\Documents and Settings\USER> prompt, I receive the following: An error occurred while renewing interface network : unable to contact your DGCP server. Request has timed out.

********************************************
WHen I type IPCONFIG /ALL, I get:
Connetion-specific DNS SUffix . : mshome.nt
Description ...                          : Lynksys EtherFast 10/100 Integrated Pc Card <PCM100 V2>
Physical Address                      : 00-04-5A-9F-FE-9F
Dhcp Enabled                           : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled        : Yes
IP Address                              : 192.168.0.227
Subnet Mask                           : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway                      : 192.168.0.1
DHCP Server                           : 192.168.0.1
DNS Servers                            : 192.168.0.1
Lease Obtained (today's date)
Lease Expires (a week from today)

********************************************

WHen I type: PING 192.168.0.1

Pinging 191.168.0.1 with 32 bytes of data
Request timed out
Request timed out
Request timed out
Request timed out

Ping statistics for 192.168.0.1:
Packets: Sent = 4, received = 0, lost =4 <100% Loss>

*******************************************
So... we have a connectivity problem apparently...

I don't know if this gives a clue regarding connectivity, but I know the desktop does recognize a connection because if the laptop is turned off, there is a bubble that says network cable unplugged.

did you ping 192 or 191
192. That was a typo... I just tried it again to make sure. I read another article somewhere that said to install NetBEUI

http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/homenet-win2kxp.asp
note to self: never trust a website with spelling errors in the first statement.
Netbeui is a win 9x and NT deal.  It is and was an option but has many drawbacks.  it isn't worth the hastle.
It is a network protocol that predates TCP/IP.


IP Address                              : 192.168.0.227
Subnet Mask                           : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway                      : 192.168.0.1
DHCP Server                           : 192.168.0.1
DNS Servers                            : 192.168.0.1

these settings that you said came from the LAPTOP are exactly as they should be.  You would not get these values if there were a connection problem.
2 more items to set up or ensure are set up proper.
computer names and workgroup name.

both are available by right clicking my computer....properties... computer name


also check these values
click start
my computer
mynetwok places
viewnetwork connections.
double click the LAN for the crossover cable..

packets sent and received.  try a ping from the other computer and see if the values change on each end
ping https://www.experts-exchange.com or ww.google.com

Do you have any firewall software on either of these machines?
HOLD THE PHONE! :-)

Just reinstalled the driver for the PC card on the laptop... and viola... we are connected:

When I type IPCONFIG/ RENEW I get

Windows IP Configuration

Ethernet adapter Network:

connection-specific DNS Suffix                 : mshome.net
IP Addres                                              : 192.168.0.47
Subnet Mask                                          : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway                                     : 192.168.0.1

********************************************
WHen I type IPCONFIG /ALL, I get:

Windoes IP Configuration:

host Name                                 : ca7 (this is the name of my laptop)
Primary Dns suffix                       :
Node type                                  : mixed
IP Roting Enabled                       : No
WINS Proxy Enabled                   : No

Ethernet adapter network:

Connetion-specific DNS SUffix . : mshome.nt
Description ...                          : Lynksys EtherFast 10/100 Integrated Pc Card <PCM100 V2>
Physical Address                      : 00-04-5A-9F-FE-9F
Dhcp Enabled                           : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled        : Yes
IP Address                              : 192.168.0.47
Subnet Mask                           : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway                      : 192.168.0.1
DHCP Server                           : 192.168.0.1
DNS Servers                            : 192.168.0.1
Lease Obtained (today's date)
Lease Expires (a week from today)

********************************************

WHen I type: PING 192.168.0.1

Pinging 192.168.0.1 with 32 bytes of data

Reply from.... (successful 4 times)

OK... WE'RE GETTING THERE!! I also now have internet connectivity on the laptop.

OK... now when I go to network places... I can get to all of my shared docs from either computer....

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK... one more thing. What security measures do I need to have in place?

I have Norton Internet Security installed on the desktop. I had that turned off during this process because I didn't want it to interfere. By enabling that, I should be fine, right? (It has a firewall)
OK... as I feared. WHen I enable norton internet security, I am unable to access desktop files via the laptop. When I disable it, I am able to access them. Any thoughts?? I just want to make sure I'm not settin gmyself up for any security issues.
Nevermind... I figured it out. There's a way to configure norton internet security to trust certain connections and I got it set up.

That's it I think, unless you have any thoughts on things I need to change in addition to what i've done.

Thanks so much!!! I'll assign you the points as soon as this closes out!

Dan
I have many thoughts... most wont help though
this one will

opein NIS.
double click personal firewall
click the network tab
you need to add in trusted computers that the desktop will talk with
It may be esier to add a trust 'using network address'

network addy 192.168.0.0
subnet mask  255.255.255.0

that should do the trick.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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chad

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Thanks again. I'm up and running.
Kabaam... I am having more problems... ARGH!!! The internet connection is very sporadic and the laptop freezes/reboots. One "fix" is updating the driver each time this happens then using the IPCONFIG /RENEW command, then I'm back in business.... for a while. until the next freeze. please advise.

Dan
sounds like a driver problem to me.
go to the manufactures website to get the BEST driver.
Yeah... Tried that. and CALLED them. Getting IRRITATED... I think I may just take the card back and get a different brand. The disk has a 2000 copyright on it, and the "latest driver" on the site is dated April of 2000. The tech support sounded like it was in another country, and they weren't too bright.
(not that them being in another country has anything to do w/how bright they are... but I assume they are underpaid and undertrained... and I had a tough time working through someone's thick accent).
Wow, alot to make a direct connection people, why the issues. anyone ever thought that the protocol might be failing, happens you know. uninstall and reinstall TCP\IP. bet your better after that. I 've read many threads on this website, thinking If I was looking for answers, blindly would not be my route.

Careful people, answer what you know, not just what you guess to be so.

nosnhojnod.
Thanks to the peanut gallery for that one.  Perhaps you could find time to deal with that nasty middle east thing too.
Well... I'm on the road right now. Here's my embarassing confession though!!! After ALL OF THAT (getting the card, going through all of that crap)... I think it is the card or driver. So here's the embarassing part... THERE IS AN ETHERNET PORT on my computer already that I didn't see!!!! *groan* and I'm a fairly tech savvy person...

Anyway, in a hotel yesterday, I hooked up their high speed connection to the built in port, and it worked fine. When i tried it w/the card, same problems as I was having w/my Local direct connection at home (computer freezing, losing connection, etc)
So... assuming everything works when I plug in the crossover cable at home, ehre are my conclusions:

1. I'm an idiot
2. This card I got is seriously flawed, or the driver has problems or something. I've installed the current drivers, etc... no luck. I'm taking this baby back (particulary since I DON'T NEED IT since I found that nice little BUILT IN port. LOL... I can't believe I did that).
3. This service is great and I've learned a TON through this. :-)

Thanks y'all!!

Dan O
LOL.
Dan O don't be so hard on yourself.  At least you didn't end up taking it to a repair shop to learn this.

Don't use the X-over cable at the hotel ;-p.
elantra... tell me more?? You can't use a crossover cable for a regular connection?
Well it depends on what the hardware is set at but most likely you need a straight thru unless your daisy chaining PC's or equipment (direct connect).  Maybe you can test out the connection at a future hotel visit with a straight-thru cable, I believe it will work.  You should be able to pick one of these up at Wal-Mart or basically any store that sells computer/electronic equipment.
correct...you need a straight through
OK, if you are wanting to "share" an internet connection on both PCs then you must set the "host" pc (in this case, your desktop PC) to pull 2 separate I.P. address'.  This is done by opening your Internet Connections windows from the start menu or the Control Panel, and then right clicking on your Internet Connection (Local Area Connection) and choosing properties. you then select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" and choose properties.  Make sure the Automatically detct settings is selescted, then choose Alternate Configuration and click the User Configured option.  Then manually type in an IP of 192.168.0.1 with a gateway of the same and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and leave the DNS Servers blank. Apply these settings, and then go back to the Internet Connections window and choose to set up a Small Office Network.  Make sure during the next few steps you choose to set the desktop PC as the Host PC and select the option that it is the computer that connections to the internet and others will connect through it's connection.  At the end of this step you can choose to create a Network Setup disk to be used on other PCs on your network that you will be adding or you can just run this same wizard on those PCs when you are ready to set them up.  Also, make sure that when you setup the workgroup on Each computer, set it to the same (EX. MSHOME)  Once you have Set up your laptop to connect through your desktop's connection, then open the internet connection you have created and choose to Manualy (User Defined) set your IP, gateway, and subnet mask.  Set the IP to 192.168.0.2 and set the gateway to 192.168.0.1 and subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 and once again leave the DNS Server(s) blank.  You should now be able to connect to the net on both PCs and also, if you have set both computers up on the same workgroup name, you should be able to access any shared files by simply opening up "My Network Places" and you should see all computers listed withen the same Network/Workgroup that you have added. *Hint*  You will only be able to access the folders that you have set to be Shared on each computer from one another.  All this came from memory of XP, since I am at work and we run Windows 2000, so I hope I worded all the termonology correct.  If not feel free to msg me on AIM anytime at:  MiataDooU.
-Brandon-
A router would have been the simplest solution. Because there are limits with ICS.
Yes but the user had asked for a solution involving buying no extra parts.
I don't think a crossover cable will do good for your pc & laptop.

Just use a cross-paired UTP Cat. 5 cable.

I used it for my desktop & laptop & then everything is fine.
LOL what is the difference between a "cross-paired" CAT5 and a crossover CAT5?  I didn't think they were even 2 diff. things LOL
Its always nice not to have a headache in figuring how things works. If you can afford to buy a desktop and a lap top, much more for broadband router and a card. Say the LINKSYS 2.4 GHZ WIRELESS-G router its simple to set up and very fast.
please try to disable your second-LAN connection. Your XP will tend to recognize your USB to Network Converter as a Second LAN connection.
I believe your DELL Laptop and DELL Desktop computer both has independent FastEthernet Port installed.
Utilize that one to connect, don't utilize the USB to Network Converter to connect between those PC.

So, in simple:

1. remove the USB to Network Converter. Disable it if necessary.
2. Connect your Desktop and Laptop using Ethernet (and cross cable).

It seems to me that one of the bug on XP is to manage multi interface connection.
it could be possible that the network connections are bridged, this can cause issues. I'd suggest breaking the bridge if possible
this is probablly a stewpid question but when i try to connect my newtwork card with my other computer it says network cabble unplugged when its not plz... help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Martin: I had a 3Com that actually did auto mdi/mdix negociation and most new gigabit ethernet cards are able to do auto mdi-mdix.
005: Are you using a crossover cable? If not try one should work else try a hub or a switch between both [kinda more expansive than a xover cable]
yeah...so um...i want to do the same thing as danolie1 but after gettin to this page i saw tons of comments. in my opinion too many comments for me to read. so is there a website somewhere that tells you how to connect two xp computers using a crossover cable?
i tried using a crossover cable between my computer and my brothers laptop. tried this that and the other things 1  sometimes worked well, sometimes not .