Networking problems

[killgORE]

Hi all... This I will probably regret in the morning for asking - I am a bit drunk though.

My flatmate wanted some mp3's from my pc.... Rather than waste a cd-r. I thought.... Lets network. I have a hub. I have cables. I have done this before. No probs.

Problems though.... Can't think really clear at the moment. Connecting to a laptop. through the hub - its not crossover cable. Both are running xp. I setup a network like this for a friend two weeks ago no problem.

There they both recognised each other instantly.
Tried changing domains to Mshome. the connection report that bytes are flying around, but We can't actually connect or ping each other.

Apologies... I have consumed the best half of a bottle of Vodka at this point !

[Enverex]

You want to change the Workgroup to MSHOME, not the domain as you aren't using a domain...

Also make sure that you have given both the machines Manual IP addresses...

NS

[killgORE]

errr. Still quite pissed here... That was a typo. The workgroup IS MSHOME. not the domain... Manual ip is probably a good idea. But they looked like they were in a similar format (range and all)

Starting to regret positing the thread already....

Not that i discourage new replies here ! There are loads of things that mess up when setting up networks and so any ideas could be valuable to others.

I also noticed now that This could have been posted in the networks section. not the overclockers bit. But since this is the area I have looked at most.....

[Theo]

I'm probably either tired, stating the obvious, or being a blind fool, but here's how I set up a network with XP:

1) Connect both computers to the hub.
2) Run Network setup Wizard on the host pc (Accessories -> Communications)
3) Run NSW on the client (not actually a client, but it's a good way for me to describe, eh?).
4) Right click the folder/drive with the mp3s on, click properties and open the "Sharing" tab.
5) Click "if you understand the risk"
6) Tick the "share this folder on the network", and give it a simple name ("mp3s" maybe).
7) On the client, open "My Network Places", and click "Add a Network Place"
8) Click "next" until you get a text box with "Internet or Network Address" above it.
9) Type in \\nameofhostcomputer\mp3s and click next
10) The folder should open and an icon should appear in My Network Places.

Should be easy peasey, that's the method I use on my home network when sharing drivers etc between pcs

[Steve]

Follow Theo's advice.

I've been messing around with networks for a while now - so I'm blessed with the fortune of automatically being able to get them to work first time (in all but the most annoying of cases.)

[killgORE]

Cheers people.

Possibly a reason for it not working yesterday was the time limit of 30min - his battery was on its down cycle. Not really an excuse but maybe if I'd had some more time (And I didn't have to work with a goddamn German speaking laptop - keyboard and all !)

I don't have to share any folders specially for the test because xp defaults at least one share (Xp has NO security problems at all - close your eyes and enjoy the media player).

Will have a stab at the network in a bit. This time with a clear head.

[Moby-Dick]

have you disabled the XP firewall ?
and you are using XP Pro or Home ?

[petrefax]

talking of firewalls, whatever one you're using can affect it - if you have the free version of zonealarm this doesn't like home networks much either

[killgORE]

Knocked down the firewalls for setting up this connection. Not going to be on the net while they are connected. And Both are clean from viruses.

[killgORE]

kkkk. I got the net working in five min this time we tried. D'ya really want to know what the problem was ? Some insane computer type (no-offence I am one) friend of my flatmate was trying to save him as much space as possible.

So a while back he removed EVERYTHING that took up space and was never used. This included a rather comprehensive list of networking protocols. (Saved what 2,000,000 * 0 bytes of space, that = nothing incase anyone reads this far). And also includes removing IE. While he was at it I am concerned that he did not remove the drivers an let the laptop run on xp defaults ! Surely this would save the most space.

Thanks all for your concerned and informed opinions.