HELP ME WITH MY MESSED UP NETWORK

[murphy55d]

Originally posted elsewhere:


I just bought a laptop, I wanted to network it with my PC to share some files. I got the network setup(NIC to NIC, no internet involved), everything worked ok. Now, when I want to use my cable modem, it doesn't freakin work. I used sys restore on my laptop and it fixed the problem there, which is how I'm typing this. The internet on my PC however doesn't work, and neither does system restore. Am I going to have to format? I'm running XP Pro, is there a NORMAL way to "unnetwork" and just use my cable modem?? It isn't a wrong cable problem, or anything like that, something just is not working properly.

Any help or suggestions? I don't know if there's any other info I can give, but anything is appreciated. Thanks guys.


REPLY 1:
Have you configured your router to work with the cable modem and your internal network?

Try posting this question in the Networking and the S/W forums

MY REPLY:
Don't have a router...like I said, the network was NIC to NIC...used a crosover patch cable...basically unplugged the PC from the cable modem, plugged the CAT5 into the NIC in the PC and the laptop..did a direct connect. Now when I want to use the cable modem, doesn't want to work like it used to. (yes i plugged the cable modem back into the PC's NIC. I'll ask in networking tho...thanks.

TY in advance.

 

[JackMDS]

The system restore problem is probably not related to the Networking trouble.

Your Internet ? Network problem, seems to eminent from Authentication, and lack of Routing.


Read slowly the content of the following Links:

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

 

[murphy55d]

Ok, it seems my problem is that my cable service is recognizing the NIC in my laptop and since they only support 1 NIC, it won't pick up my PC's nic. Do I need to contact Charter and have them switch it to my PC's nic.,.and then buy a HUB/router so I can use the net on both? Am I understanding that right?

 

[JackMDS]

The term for the right NIC used for Cable Internet connection, is Authentication.

If you buy a Router, you don?t need to call any one.

Quote form the previous post link:

The Elegant Way: (Option-3)

Get a Cable/DSL Router (like the SMC barricade). Install one NIC in each computer. The Cable modem is connected to the WAN input of the Router with Straight cable. The computers connect with Straight cables to the regular Router ports. Each computer is configured with TCP/IP Network protocol. You should have nice fast Network with DHCP server, and Hardware firewall.

Here is an example courtesy of Russ:
Internet Sharing Network.

Cost about $$50-80 for a Router (Most of the products includes two cables) + $15 NIC.


A big Plus: Most Routers has the capacity to clone your original network card ID, so the cable system does not experience any change.

 

[Wik]

The cable modem is probably still holding your mac address of the laptop nic. Try unplugging the modem for 5 minutes or so or look for a reset on the back. This should clear the memory and pick up the PC nic again.

 

[murphy55d]

What are your thoughts on the D-Link Di-704P router?

Can be had for $59 after rebate. That'll do just fine..right?

 

[Wik]

Just make sure it can forward port ranges and not just single ports. If if can do this then I would say it is fine. I do not know what the best deals are on routers right now but $60 seems to be about right.


EDIT: Look in hot deals, there seems to be one coming up this weekend for $30 after rebate