Sharing files between two computers via CAT5

[geckojohn]

How would I set up file sharing for two computers via a CAT5 network cable? Both computers have network cards already. One computer has Windows XP, the other computer has Windows 98. All I want to be able to do is to share files, that's it. I don't need to get onto the internet or anything else.

Thank you very much.

 

[new2AMD]

I believe a cross over cable is all you need. 1 issue tho would be if you formatted the xp system with NTFS and the 98 machine with fat32, the 98 machine will not be able to see the NTFS files. The xp machine can see fat32 tho.

 

[Garion]

<< I believe a cross over cable is all you need. 1 issue tho would be if you formatted the xp system with NTFS and the 98 machine with fat32, the 98 machine will not be able to see the NTFS files. The xp machine can see fat32 tho. >>



Note quite true - If you're talking about hard drives, that's the case, but with a network the file system isn't important. The file sharing services are independant of partition type. If you set it up correctly, you should be able to share files between the two PC's.

You'll just need to pick up a Cat5 crossover cable, install the same protocol on both PC's (IPX is recommended), make sure they are in the same workgroup and watch it go!

- G

 

[Valhalla1]

i wouldn't recommend IPX or other protocols besides straight tcp/ip.. the more protocols u use the slower your boot time is and complexity is added to the network, more resources, etc. a simple tcpip network with win98 and winxp is simple.. put both on the same workgroup, assign 192.168.0.1 and .2, 255.255.255.0, enable file sharing on the win98 machine.. not much more to it

 

[igiveup]

Actually there is more to it. You need to either enable the guest account on the XP machine or go ahead and add an accout with a username and password to the XP machine that you will use to login with the 98 machine. Little things like permisssions and stuff will stop you dead in your tracks. If it tells you that you can't be authenticated then thats your issue. Oh, and make sure you are running Client for Microsoft Networks on both boxes, and DON'T cancel out of the logon prompt when it boots on the 98 box. If you do it will disable the networking from that machine.