My 2 computers wont talk!

[jimbob2001]

I've got 2 PC's running XP pro and they won't see each other. One has a NIC on board (some SIS 10/100 thing) and the other has a PCI 3com card (also 10/100) and there both connected to a 5 port netgear switch (FS105). The lights on the switch turn on and they flash away as if there doing something but there not. Each computer send packets to the other but the don't get any back.
I've tryed setting them up both manualy using 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2 ip addesses, but they can't even ping each other. So i tryed using the network setup wizard and that doesn't work eather. I have tested the cables and the switch so i know there fine so it must be a setting somewhere.

Any help would be great.

[bbtech6650]

is this a fresh install on both machines? is the firewall piece of MS fine material enabled? I've found that if you add a network connection after xp is installed the wizard 'll give u a screen to enable it and sometimes it'll just enable it. Let me know what happens.


bbt

[WebHead]

Ar! Capn' I suggest ye try the followin setup matey. In system properties, under computer name, make sure both PC's have the same workgroup name. Remove those IP address's as they're not needed for a simple peer to peer network. And make sure TCP/IP (or similar protocol) and Client for Microsoft Networks under network properties and then properties of your network connection are installed. If these 3 things are done, and set to default, the you should see each computer in your "My Network Places" window. Ar! This oughta do the trick, and if yer puter keeps actin like a monkey that needs a spankin, then throw er outta the winda! Ar!

[Gabriel]

Try using Automatic IP configuration - YES, It will work without a DHCP.
It will work using APIPA and give you address of 169.254.0.1 through 169.254.255.254.
this way you can examine the ping in relative Ease.

P.s. TRy ping yourself - Using:
ping localhost
-0r-
ping 127.0.0.1

this way you can know that IP configuration and the card are correct.

If this won't work I think the problem is with the cables - are you sure that the cables are no Crossover cables?

GOOD LUCK
Gabriel

[jimbob2001]

Yes there both fresh installs and i can ping localhost on both fine. The cable is fine as i've tested it with a testing kit. The switch worked ok before and it's only 2 months old. Tryed everything but throwing it out the window!

They both have auto ip address and I can now see the other machine from my main one but i can't access it in network places.

[homeostasis81]

Heres a couple ideas for you

1) Add the NetBUI protocol. XP was supposed to phase out this protocol but its perfect for a simple peer-to-peer network
2) Use static ip addresses, while Automatic Private Addressing will work, its easier to troubleshoot with static than dynamic ip addresses IMO
3) Add the IPX/SPX protocol, you need it for certain games anyways, although I admit this is the biggest longshot
4) Make sure they are on the same subnet the same workgroup and have different computer names

Try connecting by doing Start->Run and then \\computername this is another way to see if they can communicate despite not being able to see each other in my network places

See if that helps

[Chris_MacMahon]

what's the exact error message that you get..can't find host or you don't have sufficant rights to logon???

[jimbob2001]

I've found the problem. It's the network cable.

I put the PC's in the same room and used another cable i had and the both worked great. The cable i have is Cat5 and it's got the 4 twisted pairs but it doesn't work. I have tested it a number of times and all the connection are ok. Is there cable out there that is better than others?? Anyone had a problem like this before??

Thanks for all you help guys!

[confus-ed]

Now you know! Test the cables on a known working setup....

Jingle Bells anyway

[Sly]

The Cable might be fine, check the connectors make sure they are the right ones for the type cable you are using (solid/straded) and that there are no sharp bends at the point of entry..

[Gabriel]

[quote]Originally posted by jimbob2001:
<strong>I've found the problem. It's the network cable.

I put the PC's in the same room and used another cable i had and the both worked great. The cable i have is Cat5 and it's got the 4 twisted pairs but it doesn't work. I have tested it a number of times and all the connection are ok. Is there cable out there that is better than others?? Anyone had a problem like this before??

Thanks for all you help guys!</strong><hr></blockquote>

Well, I think we can add something Murphy's law...
It works better if you plug it in - It works far better if you use a good cable...


LOL!!!!