I cannot connect two computers (XP and 98)by typing \\MACHINENAME 1. From XP to 98 I can ping by IP address and get a reply. No reply if I type in the Machine Name HOWEVER I cannot ping XP's IP address from 98 2. I cannot connect to 98 by<nobr><a class="iAs" style="border-bottom:darkgreen 1px solid;text-decoration:underline;color:darkgreen;background-color:transparent;" href="http://itxt.vibrantmedia.com/al.asp?ipid=7&cc=us&cf=1&ai=7996483&di=125538&ts=20031212212920" target="_blank" oncontextmenu="return false;" onmouseover="kwE(event,125538);" onmouseout="kwL(event);" onmousemove="kwM(125538);"> IP (i.e.</nobr> \\IPADDRESS) 3. Both computers have full access to the internet. They are connected via a Netgear hub. The hub is connected to a cable modem. Troubleshooting: 98: 1. Renew IP 2. I've Uninstalled and reinstalled TCP/IP, Clinet for MS Networks/File and PRinter Sharing and the ethernet adapter 3. Uninstalled all firewall and virus software 4. Both are all updated by MS XP Troubleshooting: 1. "Repair" feature in LAN connection properties 2. Renew IP Any Ideas? I can only print from 98 because I have an old printer without USB so I really need these two computers to be able to talk to each other. Thanks!! Steve

Are these computers using DHCP assigned by the ISP (you have to have an ip for each pc if you are using a hub), or static ip's that your ISP gave you? What submask are they both using? Are they both using the same workgroup, different machine name?

Yes they are using DHCP and both have different IP addresses They are both in the same workgroup and both have a different machine name The Subnet Mask is blank on XP and on 98 it's also blank because of the "Obtain IP address automatically" setting. This makes me think. Doesn't cable assign an IP address and it is not dynamic? If so I'm set up for DHCP.. THanks for the response! Steve

I know they tell you it is not needed but to get mine going, I installed NETBEUI. the other network pcs tho did have it installed. then XP worked on my network, a 98 pc is the host. Al

For a TCP/IP LAN to work, the machines have to have IP addresses from the same pool, ie. the first three figures should be the same (ie. 192.168.1.xx which is the standard for private networks) and the subnet mask should be the same (typically 255.255.255.0 ). Because you are using your network card and TCP/IP for both home networking and internet connection, the IP addresses being randomly assigned by your ISP do not conform to the above. To get the network to work using TCP protocol, you would have to manually configure TCP/IP on each computer so that the IP pool (ie. 192.168.1.XX )and subnet mask match (255.255.255.0). Also only one computer at a time can access the internet. The problem with this is that because each computer is directly 'dialling up' each time, the ISP will need to assign the computer one of its own public IP addresses and you internet connection probably wont work. The probably solution with the hardware you have, is to install NetBEUI protocol on both computers and bind it to the network card (this will probably happen automatically), then your local network will communicate using netBEUI and each computer will communicate with the ISP using TCP. This is not a very secure solution though, as you will have an open network, with file and print sharing enabled with both TCP and netBEUI bound to your NIC. It is far more typical to use a router which contains a NAT firewall and DHCP server. The router then assigns the private IP addresses on the network, which guarantees they will be the same IP pool and subnet mask, (which ensures your network works), and takes care of the connection to the cable modem and the internet. For 40-50 pounds you could pick up a decent router which does a better job, protects your network properly and enables either pc to access the internet without the other one being on. http://www.petri.co.il/adsl_home_network_config.htm This page is pretty informative about the different ways of configuring the network.

In 98 system set default login client to ms client for microsoft network and enable netbeui. This should solved the problem. Good luck

1. I believe both computers would have to have the same workgroup name. 2. if you get help in XP, it states that you ned to copy a network setup exe file onto a floppy and run it on your 98 computer. I don't know what it does, but it does allow visibility from 98 to the XP machine. 3. On the XP system you may have to enable sharing. Normally you'll have a folder that is called "Shared Documents" or something similar. By default this is the only access you get. But, you can enable it such that you can go to any folder. Hope this help. cpm