Please Help, having trouble networking 2 computers.

[orgasmicNYC]

I used to have a simple network running on Windows XP using the windows network wizard. However, I've since upgraded to Windows XP SP1 and now my network won't work. I have a 3com Gigabit 3C940 and Netgear FA310TX with a NetgearEN104 Hub. WHen I try to setup the network through the wizard I get an error. I've tried setting it up this way.

Host:
3com Gigabit 3C940 - Internet Cable Connection (AUTO)

FA310TX - IP: 192.168.0.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Client:
IP Address: 192.168.0.2
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1
Preferred DNS: 192.168.0.1

The computers won't ping eachother and they don't communication. I'm just trying to get the internet connection shared between em. Could this be the FA310TX thats causing the problems? It was autodetected by windows XP and seems to work. Any ideas appreciated because I'm about to go buy another 3com card to see if it will work.

 

[JackMDS]

Upgrade to SP1 should not affect the Network.

However a lot of Multi Wizard users (i.e. used the Network Wizard more than one time per connection) would experience Network problems.

1. Take out the NIC from each computer and boot one time without the NIC (that would usually clean up the mess left by previous configuration).

2. Install back the NICs and let Windows boot. Windows XP usually detects the NICs, and installs the drivers and TCP/IP. (If the NIC is very new make sure you have the Drivers ready in case WinXP asks for it).

When boot is finished check the Device Manager to make sure that the NICs drivers are installed correctly and that there is no IRQ and similar conflict.

It this point you are better off configuring the rest of the Network Manually. I.e. leave the wizard resting in peace. If you can not resist using the Wizard use it one time, and One time only any further configuration in the Network must be done manually.

Log to this page it has a lot of links to instructions to Windows Network Setting and Sharing.

Link: Installing & Sharing

 

[Iron Woode]

As a side note:

SP1 may have turned on WinXp's Firewall. Turn it off.

No need to r & r the nics. Just check the Hardware Manager for errors reguarding the nics. If there are none then the cards are installed correctly.

The next step would be to blow away the current TCP/IP settings by removing them completely and re-installing them.

This usually fixes any network issues with XP.

PS: wouldn't it be easier to use a crossover cable, rather than a hub if there are just 2 PCs?

 

[orgasmicNYC]

I'm getting frustrated with this whole thing. I will stop by a local store and get some crossovercable. To install the crossover cable I just connect the cable modem to one NIC and use the cable to connect the second computer to the second NIC in the host? Then do the same exact thing but since they are directly connected there should be no problem? Thanks everyone.

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: orgasmicNYC
I'm getting frustrated with this whole thing. I will stop by a local store and get some crossovercable. To install the crossover cable I just connect the cable modem to one NIC and use the cable to connect the second computer to the second NIC in the host? Then do the same exact thing but since they are directly connected there should be no problem? Thanks everyone.

The crossover cable just removes the need for a hub. And, yes, the 2 nics will be directly connected while the other nic is connected to the cable modem. I have done this many times.

You need to go into the properties of the network and choose a nic and remove all the tcp/ip stuff as well as the client for microsoft networks. And then reinstall them. This should clear things up. If it doesn't you can re-install the nics through device manager.

You can also try http://www.practicallynetworked.com