Page 3 - Win XP Pro network down after upgrade from W2K

If you're getting a red cross through the network connection, then the cable is probably wrong. Check that it's plugged in correctly and that you're using the correct type of cable. From a computer to a hub, you should be using a patch cable (not a crossover cable), so both ends of the cable are exactly the same.

as you suggested. I have CAT5 cable, is that what I need?

Ray definately loosing hair now....but optimistic.

Cat5 cable is the quality of the cable, not the type of cable. If you're connecting the two computers directly together, you'll need a crossover cable (the ends are different at each ends). If you connect them via a hub, you'll want straight through patch cables.

Thanks Edwin, I'll be back on this subject tonight.


Ray, lost hair but remains optimistic.

7 feet and I need 25 ft. So, what do you think about wireless networks..?

Ray lost his hair but not his optimism....

Hehe - wireless networks are good, but I'd prefer a wired network. It's faster and more reliable. Just go and buy yourself a whole reel of cable and put the ends on it yourself

which wires do I cross?

Do you happen to know if the Favorites can be set so they show only the recent ones used if clicked on it rather than every single one in it?

Thanks for your help and patience Edwin.

Ray, bald but optimistic.

Look at this site: http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/n...able/cable5.htm

There is a picture of crossover cable wiring which you should be able to copy. I've forgotten, but you are linking the computers directly, aren't you (no hub/switch)?

Sorry this is taking so long - I had no intention of making you go bald

between two computers running XP. Internet connection goes through a hub and while running W2K, the hub also provided the LAN between the two. Upgrading to XP lost the network. So your suggestion is to create a LAN between the computers by using a cross over cable between the two NICs.

The computers are thus now sporting 2 NICs for each, 4 in total.

Thanks for the info on the cables, only thing for me left to do is finding a place that sells cable a J45 connectors and a tool to crimp on the J45s....that is gonna be a maor headache I think.

I'll keep you posted and thanks for help so far!

Ray lost hair but bought a hat and still optimistic

OK - just make sure that connecting computers to computers you'll need a crossover cable and connecting a computer to a hub you'll need a patch/straight through cable.

Good luck with the cables

Can I use patch cables to network?

Ray in the hat

You can use patch cables between a computer and a hub/switch. You must use a crossover cable when connecting computers directly.

to see the other computers in the network from both pc's.

When trying to log on to them, I get a password screen that has the User Name greyed out and a password field.

Here is what it shows:

On computer Ray:

User Name: Annie/guest (greyed out)
Password: [cursor is flashing]

On computer Annie:

User Name: Ray/Guest (greyed out)
Password: [cursor is flashing]

How do I solve this last tit-bit?

As always, thanks

Ray, bald with hat on and mildly optimistic.

Check that the guest account is enabled on both computers. Open the Control Panel and click User Accounts. You should see an option for the guest account there.

Glad you've found a hat