networking cable issue Xp to 98SE.

enigmas_matrix · #1 October 20th, 2002, 07:26 AM

Hello, I am trying to network an Xp (host) to a 98SE (client). I have dsl. The XP is connected to a hub (3 piggybacked ethernet jacks) and to the net with cat5 cable/rj45 connectors. The 98SE is connected to the XP through ethernet cards and cat5 cable. Issue is: XP is saying cable is unplugged when it is plugged in- (cable to 98 computer). Straight computer to computer. We can't get them to network. Trying to create internet connection share and homenetwork. Checked IRQ for conflicting cards, all is well. Checked configurations on each computer for usernames, passwords, computer names..etc..all is well there. Any suggestions to this issue would be appreciated greatly. Have spent hours on the net trying to figure out why this is happening and dead ends. If you wish to e mail, please do so at enigmas_matrix@yahoo.com or post a reply here. Thank you in advance. Enigma.

**Spider** · #2 October 20th, 2002, 07:19 PM

Hi enigmas_matrix, welcome to Cyber Tech Help.

If I'm reading your post correctly you have the Win98 machine
connected directly to the WinXP machine, card-2-card via cat5
cable.

The two computers and the DSL should plug into the hub.

What make/model hub is this?
what make/model ethernet cards?

enigmas_matrix · #3 October 21st, 2002, 02:15 AM

Thank you for the response Spider. The cards that connect from computer to computer are Realtek8139 (both of them). The xp which is connected to the internet has an Intel Pro 100VM networking card. The hub was actually made by piggybacking 3 ethernet jacks together. We can connect to the internet with one computer at a time through any of the 3 connections on the hub, but it won't let both computers connect at the same time because the error cable is unplugged comes up. If you need any more information, please let me know. Thank you again; enigmas_matrix

**Spider** · #4 October 21st, 2002, 05:27 AM

Ok I think there are going to be a couple of issues here.

One can buy a 10/100 5-port hub for under $20.00. I would get
a manufactured hub for starts. You don't really want to rely on
a few RJ45's tied together.

For computer-2-computer network cabling a special RJ45 cable
is needed. This cable is mostly referred to as crossover
cable. WindowsXP needs DCC (direct cable connect) enabled
and File and Print Sharing.

ISPs (your Internet provider) generally block any attempts to
connect more than one computer per account. You have two options...
* ask ISP to enable second and third connections for extra $'s/month
* purchase a router (same as hub basically)

A router will allow multiple computers to hook to it, your dsl/cable modem,
and your ISP will only see one connection...the router. Perfectly legal
and ISPs prefer personal routers rather than mucking around with access
configurations.