Switching between networks

[StevenXP]

I have a laptop that I use to between my work and home. I set up a home network between my desktop, my work laptop, and a second laptop using a single direct ethernet cable that I trade back and forth between the two laptops. Both laptops use WinXP and the desktop uses WinME. My work laptop is having problems switching between my work network and my home network. I have my home network set on the same workgoup as the work network. What should I do? I dont know much about networks beside how to use the windows network wizard. When that fails I know nothing. :confused:

[ceh383]

How is the addressing setup at home and work?
Are they both using static addressing or dynamic addressing?

[StevenXP]

What does that all mean? "How is the addressing setup at home and work? Are they both using static addressing or dynamic addressing?" I'm a beginer here.

[ceh383]

What is an IP address? (http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/2002/IPaddressing.asp)

A static address is when you set the address manually. A dynamic address is one that is set automatically, for this you would need some sort of DHCP server.

With the information given the first thing that comes to mind is your office uses dynamic addressing, your home does not.

OPen a DOS/command prompt and type "ipconfig /all" (no quotes) and see if DHCP is enabled.

[StevenXP]

How do I get to a DOS/command prompt in WinXP? I typed "ipconfig /all" in the Start>Run box and a black window popped up for a split second and then disipeared, to quickly to read anything.

[twistedcranium]

Originally posted by StevenXP
How do I get to a DOS/command prompt in WinXP? I typed "ipconfig /all" in the Start>Run box and a black window popped up for a split second and then disipeared, to quickly to read anything.

To get a DOS system prompt type "cmd" in the start > run box. And then you can type the ipconfig command in the resulting window.