xp networking probs

nov0798 · Post by **nov0798** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 3:21 am

I am trying to network both my laptop and my main computer. I have a router that runs into two 8 port switches. one switch runs my down stairs and the other the up stairs of my house. both my laptop and my other machine run xp home. the problem is I have tried to run the network setup wizard numerous times, the work groups are the same, the computer names are different and the xp firewall is shut off on both machines. For some reason I cannot get the machines to see each other at all. I would especially like to be able to print from my laptop to the printer conected to my main computer.

Any ideas why I cannot get this to work, thanks.

Oh I have a netgear rp614 router

I can access the nternet from both with no problems, any help would be appreciated.

thanks again.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 7:08 am

I've never been a fan of that network setup wizard. Right Click "My Network Places", select "Properties". You should ideally have only 1x LAN connection listed..."Local Area Connection". Enabled. No firewall enabled. TCP is fine set to obtain auto. No other software firewalls have been installed, or are running? Norton Internet Security, or any other ones?

Find the IP address of each machine, then go to the other machine, can you ping the first one?

Right Click "My Network Places"..."Search for Computers"...enter the name of the other computer...does it show up?

zxc47 · Post by **zxc47** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 8:00 am

install NWlink ipx/spx compatible transport protocol.
To do this right mouse click on your network icon,Then click on proerties,then on local area connection then proerties again. then click on the install and add the ipx/spx protocol.

you need to add it to all computers

nov0798 · Post by **nov0798** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:24 am

thanks xzc that worked.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 7:16 am

You never got to try ping or anything? Installing other protocols (such as Novell networks IPX, or NetBUIE) often can get you working, but it's a bandaid approach since TCP alone works, it just wasn't configured properly yet.

Blisster · Post by **Blisster** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 2:53 pm

did you have 'File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks' enabled under TCP/IP properties?

woahbinger · Post by **woahbinger** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 7:31 pm

XP home only allows for 4 connections to other machines, how many other boxes do you have, I'm assuming you have more since you have 16 ports available....yeah, XP home blows.