WinME -> Win2k

[frozentax]

Hello,

I'm networking a WinME computer with a Win2k Pro computer using crossover cable. No matter what I try, I cannot get my comptures to recognize each other in either the network neighborhood or through \\computer-name. On the WinME machine, it takes forever to browse the network hood, and sometimes gives an error or just shows my current computer name. On the Win2k machine, it takes forever to browse the hood, but shows my computer name as well as my other computer's name, however I can't access it (says the network path wasn't found). I've networked several machines before (using the same cable even), but I've never encountered this. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
-Anthony

 

[sohcrates]

a good start is by reading this AT FAQ

 

[frozentax]

Thanks, but I have all user permissions setup correctly

 

[kylef]

In my opinion, I would ditch all protocols EXCEPT for TCP/IP on both systems. That includes getting rid of NetBEUI.

Then manually assign an IP address to each computer. I recommend using unroutable IP addresses like 10.0.0.1 and 10.0.0.2. The subnet mask on both computers in this case should be 255.255.255.0. Since you're not connected to an external Internet, there is no default gateway.

Reboot and re-try. If it still doesn't work, make sure that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is ENABLED. On Win2k this is under TCP/IP Properties->Advanced Properties->WINS->Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP. In Win98 it is slightly less difficult to find it, but I forget exactly where.

You can attempt to diagnose that the above connection works by going to a command prompt and typing (on the first computer)
ping 10.0.0.2

And see if you get a reply. If you DON'T get replies, then you have either not configured IP properly or your ethernet hardware isn't set up correctly. If you DO get replies, then you should be in business. Check out Network Neighborhood one more time.

One other thing to check: make sure that "I want to enable file and printer sharing" on the Win98 box. Oh, and MAKE SURE THAT YOU LOG INTO WIN98 and don't just hit "Cancel" or "ESC" at the login prompt. Hitting Cancel there DISABLES Microsoft Networking, including the Network Neighborhood.

[EDIT]: Whoops, I see that you said WinME, not Win98. Well, WinME should be more like Win2k. So the same things I mentioned still apply, but the options will just be in different locations.