Ok, this is going to get a little complex. I got a host computer that has WinXP and a client that has Win98. The client computer is a sign-in computer that reads from a database off of the WinXP host computer. The thing is that I got the client fed into a switch along with the host and I got another switch hooked up into the uplink that carries over into the next building to provide internet service to some other computers (that's not working either by the way). Yes Yes, the DSL IS hooked up through the uplink port on the switch by the host computer with the database on it. I just need to know how to get internet access over in the other building and read off of that database on the host computer from the sign-in. On the sign-in computer, Win98 OS, I went to network and it has all the right TCP/IP protocols and clients and services right I THINK. It has Windows Family Logon and Client Services for Windows, now these are the only two that I fooled with whenever it stopped reading from the database on this computer. First, I started fooling with the host's network connections and added Client Services for Windows on both the DSL connection and the Lan Connection thinking this would link ALL of my computers together, boy was I wrong! Can someone please help me out, I'm tired of working out combinations and restarting to make this stupid thing work....by the way, it's 4 in the morning :(

By the way, I think it has VPN (virtual private network on it too)the host is the host and the client is the client vpn

Internet issue, from what you are saying, you have your DSL modem plugged into a switch, not a router. Correct? Are you using Internet Connection sharing on XP? I would say no. I would assume that your DSL provider only provides one IP address, so having the other computers in the switch will not provide internet access to them. What makes you think that you a VPN. List what makes and models of the switches that you are using, this will help to figure this out.

I have netgear switches and nic cards. I have a VPN on the win98 computer that is the sign on computer. I never did anything to configure the IP addresses, I just kept running the network wizard and applied to the host computer that it connects directly to internet and the other clients I put that they connect through another computer on the network.

In my experience a router is the best way to share internet connections. Win Xp has Internet Connection Sharing; what you are trying to do would be better served by a router. If you are not interested in purchasing a router, I would check out www.wown.com. This is a good resource for networking.

In order to share the internet with out a router, set-up Internet Connection sharing in XP, you will have to plug the DSL modem directly into the XP machine. I assume that you only have one NIC in the XP machine, so either way you will need one more if you go this way. I strongly recomend the router.

It will simplify internet sharing. You would plug DSL modem into the router, set-up router with your username and password for DSL account if needed, choose connection type (PPPoE) for DSL. Enable DHCP on router. Set all machines to Obtain IP automaticlly. You would be up in 15 mins or less.

Sorry if none of this helps, I always assume people can understand what I am saying.

Scooter

Actually, you've been a lot of help. Thanks! I'm going to go purchase a router to see if it works, I'll keep it posted whenever I get it working to let you know how I fixed it if it ever gets up and running :)

A Switch is just a switch, a hub is just a hub, but a router is a NAT, Switch, gateway, printer server (optional) =)

J.