network cable unplugged?/is crossover cable necessary when linking two pc's w/o a hub?

[Tetsuo316]

I'm trying to share my dsl connection with another computer but i can't seem to get it to work. both machines are running winxp. i ran the network setup wizard and ran through the instructions from practically networked to make sure i was doing everything right. I have a nic connected to the dsl modem and a second nic connected to the second pc with cat5 cable. i get an error message from the second computer that says there is a network cable unplugged. what gives? i'd really appreciate some help.

 

[Rhi]

Could be a host of things.

1st physically check the cables, that they are plugged in correctly and the link lights show on each NIC. Then swap cables if necessary to determine if one is bad, (are they homemade cables?). Next check device manager, (press and hold windows key while pressing pause/break...goto>hardware>device manager), to make sure the NICs are installed properly and that they're not disabled.

Report back.

-Rhi

 

[jkukowsk]

Re-seating the NIC or moving it to a different slot might also be another solution if the above ones don't work. Don't ask, they are odd devices.

 

[ScottMac]

It sounds like you need a crossover cable between the two PCs.

FWIW

Scott

 

[Tetsuo316]

under the device manager the nics are fine. winxp automatically installed the drivers for each card, but should i try the drivers from the manufacturer? the lights are off on both nics. i've tried two different cables (one is new, but i've used the other cable before).

i'll try reseating the nics in different slots.

what's crossover cable?

thanks for the help.

 

[minendo]

CAT5 Straight, Crossover. What is CAT5, which one should I Use?

That will answer your questions.

 

[Tetsuo316]

thanks minendo. andy hui would be so disappointed in me. 😱