Please help. How the hell do you network between two WIN XP computers

[Halmos]

A few week back I had posted a thread about helpine me out for connecting a win xpa nd win 98se computer. I could not solve that problem despite trying out various things.

Today I decide to connect my laptop (which runs XP) with my XP desktop through the linksys befsr41 router. I am unable to ping one from another and the computers don't see each other. I don't think there is a problem with my cable as both connect to the internet without any problems. Also, they can ping the router without any problem.

I thought connecting two xp computers would be easy. What all do I need to have in the general tab of LAN properties? What all should I not have?
Please help.

 

[Halmos]

Sorry, I said earlier that the computers do not ping each other. Actually the Desktop is ABLE to ping the laptop (but still can't see it). Laptop is UNABLE to ping the desktop and can't see it.

 

[RustyNale]

Question 1: are both comps in same workgroup?

Question 2: are both using DHCP?

Question 3: If using DHCP, is the router setup to be a dhcp server?

Question 4: are your cables straight through or crossover? ( router also has a switch for straight through or crossover)

Question 5: have you enabled sharing?

Question 6: if running xp pro, do you have users set up in each? ( if each comp is listed as diff user, then in xp pro you must add that unique user for network access)

Let us know if any of this helps...

 

[Halmos]

Rusty Nale thanks for replying.

Question 1: are both comps in same workgroup?
YES.

Question 2: are both using DHCP?
YES

Question 3: If using DHCP, is the router setup to be a dhcp server?
YES

Question 4: are your cables straight through or crossover? ( router also has a switch for straight through or crossover)
STRAIGHT

Question 5: have you enabled sharing?
Does this mean that I have shared folders and I have file sharing in the properties of LAN connection box checked. If yes, then YES I have enabled sharing

Question 6: if running xp pro, do you have users set up in each? ( if each comp is listed as diff user, then in xp pro you must add that unique user for network access)
I am running XP home on both. I have users set up on my Desktop but not on my laptop.

Remember, however, that the laptop does not even ping my desktop. whereas the other way it works. What do you think the problem might be. Thanks a lot for your help.

 

[RustyNale]

Okay, I'd say the culprit is your router---try disabling dhcp and assigning ip's to both comps, see if you can ping each other.

More "after-thoughts"---try removing all your protocols and re-installing them on both machines (to use dhcp, of course). This means that you've set your router to be a dhcp router again...

Even more "after-thoughts"---do you have access to a cross-over cable, or can make one? Try hooking the comps together without the router and see if they talk to one another...

 

[Halmos]

Thanks. Perhaps removing and reinstalling will do the job.