Hi, I have several general, and rather specific networking questions.

First, I want to directly connect my xp computer to a windows 98 machine and also (not at the same time though) connect to a lexmark lazer printer. Is this possible using a crossover cable?

If it is, how do I go about installing / adding the lazer printer?

Next, crossover cable issues. I made a DIY cable from instructions on the net, connecting pins 1 & 2 to pins 3& 6 and vica versa. When I connect this cable it says X # of packets sent but 0 recieved. Also, the sent light of my nic comes on but the recieved only flashes orange sporadically. And, every few seconds it brings up an info box saying "network cable disconnected" and then it reconnects.

Does all this mean that the cable is not working properly? I checked it out with the multimeter and it indicated continuity from one end to the other but about 1 ohm of resistance. The cable is not that long maybe 50 feet. Is this ok?

Thanks

you can connect the xp machine to the 98 machine, you will have to install additional stuff on the 98 machine from the XP cd, but is possible, just run the networking wizard on the XP machine and it will guide you. As for the crossover cable you made. the orange light you get means colision and if you might have wired it wrong that could cause that. Try re-wiring it and seeing if that takes care of the problem.

hi
type: lenght: speed:
100BaseT UTP 100m/segment 100Mbps

if u are using 10baset cable then reduce the lenght of cable

I tried cutting off both ends and putting a fresh cable in between but it still does the orange light thing although xp has stopped telling me that the connection is broken every few seconds.

When I check card status on lazer printer it says "connected" - before it said "disconnected".

Obviously I still need to work on my cable. Is it a problem if I have about 2 inches of the outer covering stripped and about 1 inch on each individual wire? Also, I have not soldered it yet, just twisted it with the pliers. If this type of cable is really sensitive then I suppose not soldering it might be a problem!

As to the other part of the first question - how do I install a printer if I'm using a crossover cable? I tried install printer, then local printer, add new port, TCP/IP, and then entered my nic's IP address but this didn't work. I also tried the printer's IP but again no go. Any ideas?

im having trouble trying to picture just what yuou are trying to do here. i understand that you are trying to connect your XP machine and the 98 machine. ok. have you go the connection between the 98 machine and the XP machine to work and if not what cable are you using for it. that should ba crossover if you arent using a switch between. now for the printer. you are trying to connect it to which machine and what cable are you using to connect them together. also what are the IP addresses of your printer and machine you are trying to connect. also does your printer have a print server because if it doesnt it cannot have an IP nor can it communicate with a crossover cat5 cable.

You don't solder network cable. You crimp it into a rj45 jack. Here is a diagram of the proper config for xover
http://www.johnscloset.net/wiring/crossover.html

Might be easier just to go buy a premade cable.

You DO NOT load stuff from the XP cd to the 98 box.
Do enable file and print shared on both XP and 98 and do the basics of networking. You can get this info from looking here or on the web for networking basic how tos.

It is not clear if the printer is shared off a pc or has a jetdirect card [network interface] in it.

If off a pc you have to share it and grant permissions for the remote user to use it [or just leave it as full controll for the share with no restrictions].

If it has a network interface you will have to use a hub to get both XP and 98 to print to it at the same time. In theory you should be able to use a crossover to the printer and do network printing from one station.

I think my main issue here is the cable. The reason why I am messing around with it is that I accidently wired it straight-
through and consquently had to cut it half way and switch the particular wires. The result is that the Xp computer 'senses' that the cable is plugged in, and is apparently sending data but cannot recieve anything. So in other words this cable seems not to be working. Can anyone suggest why?

I think if I can get my cable working I can easily figure out how to connect to the printer and 98 machine (not at the same time!)