Two PCs networked with NIC

[wxjunkie]

I'm sure there's an obvious and easy way to network two PCs for simple file sharing using only a CAT5 cable and two NIC cards, right? Anyone have a simple howto?

 

[imverygifted]

i think you have to use a crossover cat5 cable, but im not 100% sure. you might jus wanna pick up a cheap ol switch though

 

[flamingspinach]

or you could always use "HyperTerminal" to connect them via serial port! I believe this program is still shipped with Windows - Start, Programs, Accessories, Communications, HyperTerminal. 😛 Of course this is only for file sharing... not a real network...

 

[wxjunkie]

If I use a crossover will XP recognize what's going on? I figure I need to set up networking settings of some sort.

 

[Jeffyboy]

Yes
a crossover cable will work. Then you can statically set your tcp/ip settings to like 10.0.0.1 and 10.0.0.2 respectively for those computers.

Jeff

 

[Jeffyboy]

that's prolly the cheapest and fastest way to transfer files n stuff... just need a common cross-over cable.

Jeff

 

[mechBgon]

You could manually set your NICs' IP addresses to 10.0.0.1 and 10.0.0.2 respectively, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, and link them directly with a crossover cable. If you have broadband, then you probably should just grab an inexpensive router (Netgear RP614, Linksys BEFSR41 or so forth) so they can share the Internet connection too.

If you need more networking help than that, then you might want to mark this post "moved to Networking" and post your further questions in the Networking area 🙂

 

[wxjunkie]

Thanks for all the help.

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, The crossover cable is the only possible way to network two comps with 2 nics and one cable. I do it often with no problems. To use standard cable use a simple hub. Jim

 

[wxjunkie]

I used 10.0.0.1 and .2 for IP and 255.255.255.0 for subnet mask on both, but I'm not showing anything from either end.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: wxjunkie
I used 10.0.0.1 and .2 for IP and 255.255.255.0 for subnet mask on both, but I'm not showing anything from either end.

You really might want to try the Networking forum, as this is not a hardware question.

However, if you set it up like that, you should be able to ping one machine from the other. You won't see anything in 'My Network Places' unless you have file sharing enabled on one or both systems, and you may have to have them in the same workgroup.

 

[Mem]

You can also use a USB 2.0 Network cable like this,I`ve tried one and it worked fine, if both your PCs have USB ports.,however in your case being that you`ve 2 NICS then crossover cable is the best option.

 

[bigpow]

1. use cross-over ethernet cable to connect the two PC -or- adjust from driver property (if NIC supports soft settings)
2. verify that TCP/IP, Client for Microsoft Networks are installed for the NICs. (File & Print sharing optional)
3. use 192.168.0.x for home networking if you want static IP addressing
4. Make sure both are in the same Domain (necessary unless you're using XP)

 

[Abix]

5. Open up a command prompt and ping the other machine's address
6. ???
7. Profit

 

[sosobear]

do you set up your computer in same workgroup or domain?

 

[Blazer]

just goto network connections and setup home networking,answer a few questions,restart one comp at a time,go back to network connections and you should see both comp.

the names can be seen by my comp>properties>comp name / those names should be seen in the network screen

 

[Gunbuster]

XP and 2K will both default to a 169.254.xxx.xxx address if set to auto and crossed over. attach to the 2k box with \\169.254.xxx.xxx\c$


Get a Gigabit NIC it will autocrosover with a normal ethernet cable.