Network newbie needs help.

[Toro 45]

I'm just going for a very basic setup to network my home computers
I installed a 3com nic in both of my computers,Windows detected them both,stopped by the computer shop & they made me a cross over cable.
Connected to both computers,Using Win ME network wizard installed & made a disc for the other computer.Set up second comp & I don't seem to have any acces to either computer.I get unable to browse network.
I'm probably overlooking some very basic steps here.Please help

Toro

 

[Ace69]

There are alot of different settings that if you overlook can wreak havoc on your little LAN. WinME has made alot of the small home network setup easier, but it still is a difficult situation for the newbie. I know because I was a newbie once that was in your exact position. Here is the best place that I could find for you to look at. It has helped me alot when I was trying to network my 2 PCs.

This page is Win95/98 but the options are basically the same, but in different places.

LAN help

 

[Toro 45]

Thanks Ace .I noticed that neither one of the nics has any lights on. Looks like maybe there bad? I did have the cable made up today at the comp shop, if that were bad would'nt the lights show some activty anyways?

 

[obenton]

Check the install instructions that came with the NICs. And put the NICs in PCI slot 2 or 3.

 

[Toro 45]

I have no instructions for the Nics,They were pulls from servers.I have 6 of them they came from perfectly good working servers, all the other parts work perfectly. I tried all 6 nics in 3 diferent computers, I could see maybe 1 or 2 not working but all 6?

Like I said earlier Windows detected them & loaded drivers but no lights at all even when booting Computer.Do you think the cards are bad? My computer does not even see itself, just get "unable to browse network" message.

3Com - 3C905-TX cards

 

[obenton]

They're apparently not being installed correctly by ME. Look for updated drivers and install instructions on the mfg's web site.

 

[Toro 45]

Thanks I'm headed there now.
Toro