Problems with a LAN.

[mdc2112]

OK...I'm sure you have all seen this post in one form or another, but I need a little help here it seems. I have been trying to set up a LAN at home, and I can't seem to get the two computers involved to recognize each other on the network neighborhood, although they can both access the internet and themselves (from the net. neighborhood.) One is a desktop running WinME, the other a laptop running Win98SE. I have a Linksys 4-port Cable/DSL Router, and I am connected to Verizon Online through a Westell External ADSL modem. I have checked my cabling. I have read countless tutorials on the web, Linksys tech support can't help me. DO I NEED TWO NIC CARDS IN MY HOST (DESKTOP) TO DO THIS? I have only one. Each time I read a web page where this is said, it's said in a vague way which makes it hard to figure it if it applies to my situation. It seems to me I should be able to go through the router, but I don't know. Please help in any way you can, I would definitely appreciate it. Thanks!

:mad:

Mike

[MosDef112]

Make sure the WORKGROUP on both PC's is the same, install NetBEUI on both PC's if necessary, as the last resort. Also, make sure both PC's have unique computer names, like PC1 and PC2.

[SRF01]

Welcome to SG.

You should also check the IP addresses.

You'll only need the second NIC if you are using one computer as a gateway to the internet.

[mdc2112]

Yeah, actually I do plan both computers being able to access the internet through the DSL modem as well as share between the two. So I DO need to get a second NIC, and assign one to the DSL connection and one to what...the other computer? I'm still a little unclear on that part. Thanks a lot for your replies.

Mike

[mdc2112]

I also plan on adding a Mac G4 within the week. Is the madness just beginning for me? :rotfl:

Mike

[Boston_Bob]

hey there Mike,

no you DON'T need another NIC.

I myself use a LinkSys router and your problem most likely lies in your windows network settings, not in any hardware.

You can share files between your two machines using the router, you seemed unsure of this. What you have to do is make sure both machines are in the same workgroup, as someone else posted, in your network settings.

Installing NetBEUI is not a bad idea either because it is non-routable and therefore wont get past the router. Therefore it is ideal for just sharing files on your LAN.

Hope this helps, feel free to mail me if you still have problems :)

[MosDef112]

To simplify your project, I would go ahead and purchase a router, preferrably a NetGear RT314 router, for it comes with four built-in ports to hook up your second PC and Mac into, and it also does all the Internet sharing you need it to do. If you don't want to shell out the $ 150 for it, then I would purchase a second NIC for the PC attached to your DSL modem, and download Internet sharing software like WinRoute..

ftp://ftp.omarnyc.com/public/software/winroute/wrp41enw2k.exe

Installing a second NIC, and this software is very simple to do, so either way you choose you can't get it wrong.

[YeOldeStonecat]

Mos, ya fell asleep on this one. He's already setup on a Linksys router. >:-P''' Kiddin'

MDC....for network browsing, have Client for MS as your logon, have TCP and NetBEUI installed for your NICs, but uncheck the bindings on TCP/IP for Client for MS and File and Print sharing services. Leave those bound to NetBEUI.

You'll prob want the File and Print sharing service on both computers too if you wish to browse both.

Make sure the workgroups are the same, and the computer name is unique for each computer.

The router has a built in 10/100 switch, which is similar to a hub, but better. So you're all set, you don't need any extra NICs or cords or equipment, you already have everything that you need.

[fastchevy]

Hey..

you don't need a 2nd NIC since you have a router...that is the whole purpose in using a 2nd NIC is for your host to run a internet gateway(router)...you should be able to see the other computer through your router..

the other 2 suggestions seem like good places to start..especially making sure they are both on the same workgroup...otherwise they won't for sure.

good luck

[mdc2112]

Thanks guys...(or gals, can't be sure from some of the handles...), it turns out I just needed to start over from scratch with a clean network setup, install both TCP/IP and NETBeui, but unchecking TCP/IP on Client for MN and File/Printer Sharing. At first I thought it didn't work but the computers burped a bit and then I could see both 'puters on both Net Neighborhoods, as well as be able access the internet simultaneously. :p Sweet. We'll see how it all goes next week when I get the G4 hooked up. Hmmmm. Thanks again, and take care.

Mike