general networking question

[thumper]

I have 2 pc's I'm trying to connect for the basic purpose of moving a large amount of files. There's no internet connection involved with the 2 pc's and no hub, routers are anything such.

I've got both pc's setup with NIC cards and I've ran a Cat cable between them. Now In Network Neighborhood the Pc's see themselves but not the other one. I've tried many different settings and nothing. I know I'm doing something wrong I just don't know what. Any ideas ??
Please be specific, with details, I'm not too familiar with this. :(
Just enough to get in trouble.

Keep in mind these PC's were networked before on my LAN that has a cable connection and it was ran through a router and (of course) cable modem. No problems then but now urgh! I'm thinking one of the PC's needs to be a "host" and one a "client" Not sure if that's the right terms but I think one needs to be in charge and I have no idea how to do that, if that is the case.
Both are running 98SE.


Thanks
thumper
aka/ Patti

[VonJames]

Assuming you're using a crossover cable between the pc's... A regular cat5 cable will not do.

You also need to enable file/print sharing in the network properties of each pc. Not knowing what operating system you're using, you should be able to access the network settings in the control panel.
You can also right click on network neighborhood and choose properties, to get there (assuming win98). Click the file/print sharing button.
reboot...
Then, you need to right click on the drive or folder you want to share and that's it in a nutshell.

If you're going to be putting them back on the internet connection, don't forget you will need to make some adjustments for security reasons.

[thumper]

I thought I had mentioned that both PC's are running 98SE. Guess I should have said Win98SE.

I have enabled file and print sharing on both. Still no go.

I'm using the same CAT 5 cable that they were on when they were back in the other room connected to the internet. Is this cable not the right type? If not what cable should I have? Should it be a USB type connection? I'm just thinking up ideas here so if anyone has a suggestion I'd apreciate it.


Thanks
thumper
aka/ Patti

[VonJames]

Sorry, it was waaay past my bed time when I replied :o

You definitely need a crossover cable. It looks just like the other cable, but the wires in the connectors are switched.
Just go to your local Best buy or whatever and tell them you need
a CAT5 crossover cable.

You will also need to "share" the folder or drive(s) that you wish to share. As I previously mentioned.