2 machine WinXP network using a CAT5 crossover cable?

[vailr]

Hello,
Trying to set up a simple 2 desktop machine home network using a CAT5 crossover cable:
A cable modem is attached (via normal CAT5) to a PCI NIC in the base machine. The 2nd machine is connected via PCI NIC, and CAT5 crossover cable, going to a Belkin USB-Ethernet adapter (in the base machine). WinXP Pro on both machines. Have used the "Network Setup Wizard", but cannot get the setup working. Is the crossover cable bad? Or is the Belkin USB-Ethernet adapter causing the problem?
Note: The Belkin USB-Ethernet adapter works fine, when used with a 3rd machine (laptop) connected directly to the cable modem.
TIA, for your help.

 

[martind1]

are both network cards setup correctly?

can you access internet on the first machine?

if you can, setup network sharing.

 

[vailr]

Both NICs work fine whenever connected directly to the cable modem. LAN properties: "File and Printer Sharing" service is enabled on both machines. Software firewall disabled. The icon on the lower right shows active connection. Clicking "My Network Places" /Entire Network/Microsoft Windows Network/MSHome" produces a popup error message about "No Permission to access". Do I need to be logged in as Administrator on both machines?

 

[JackMDS]

Forget for few minutes about Internet Connection, and try to establish a simple Network between the two computers Do not use the Wizard configure manually.

Once you have an establish Network try to configure Internet sharing.

Link leading to Configuration Instruction you can find here, in the middle of the page.

Link: Basic Networking

For $20-$30 you can have a nice fast system with additional DHCP Firewall etc. So you probably have a very good reason not to use cable/DSL Router.

Link: AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Link: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Ignore the prices in the links above. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

 

[vailr]

Thanks for the reply.
The first Anandtech FAQ link doesn't make clear whether ICS is already included with WinXP, or if the mentioned 3rd-party software is required. (I can't believe that XP doesn't already have the necessary software included).
Running the WinXP "Network Setup Wizard" SHOULD work, but it doesn't for my setup.
I'm wondering whether the Belkin USB-Ethernet adapter is the kink in the setup.
Will everything work, if I use a 2nd PCI NIC, instead of the USB-Ethernet adapter?
Or am I missing something: "Configure the two computers with TCP/IP protocol"?
I can enable sharing individually for each HD, but there's no clear distinction between sharing between the 2 "MSHome" machines and/or "sharing" to someone else's machine on the cable company's network?

 

[compudog]

Grab a second PCI NIC and put it into the base machine. Crossover cable should work fine then. Connect PC to PC with the crossover connect PC to Cable Modem with straight. Run the wizard on base machine, make the floppy, run it on second PC. Done. Works 90% of the time for me. I usually don't make the floppy and just tell the other PC's to obtain IP address automatically. (Using broadband router)