Hey, I've been trying to set up a network between windows 98se and an Xp computer and they just dont see to be noticing each other. Once on the xp computer i was able to see the other computer but not able to access it. I did turn on file and printer sharing. 98se comp: 3com etherlink III isa Duron 800mhz 20gig hd I'm sure it is something to do with the 98se computer as i have networked with xp one before.

Found this (and others) by putting "Networking Windows 98 and XP" in the GO SEARCH at the top right of this page: W95/98 FORUM 151807 It might help. DerekW

The biggest cause of conflicts between 98 and XP networks is the workgroup name. Microsoft changed the default name in XP. They need to be on the same workgroup to share information. Simply changing one to match the other overcomes this problem. You will need to create a shared folder on each machine to be visible. The link Derek included above talks of file system differences. This is of course incorrect. The host computer reads the hard drive and sends the file(s) to te remote computer.

Useful (essential?) to enable netbios over tcp/ip on XP system too. http://www.chicagotech.net/netbios&wins.htm discusses some of the why/wherefore... of this issue; esp: the section - NetBIOS and WINS are required in a mixed network. www.practicallynetworked.com covers the whole networking '9x with XP/W2K/NT. Also www.wown.com does the same. Initially (presuming you are not connected to the www... at the time, disable the firewall(s) respectively and get it working that way. Then restore firewalls and adjust settings as needs-be to allow LAN to function again (if the firewall(s) stop it when re-invoked).

I know others have posted all items needed above, but I'll state each step for you. Win98 Start the machine right click NetworkNeighborhood>Properties. For simplicity use TCP/IP (should be installed) assign an ip address of 10.0.0.1 (or whatever, however this is a public address and allows for almost maximum amount of pcs on the network), subnetmask of 255.0.0.0 you can leave default gateway and dns server address empty (these are contained on other tabs of the properties window). Next check the share files and folders option aswell as the printer tab (if you want) Windows may want your 98 cd at this point in time and may want to restart, click no if restart is asked and then click the Identification tab, call the pc something simple, and assign workgroup name (I use MSHOME but you can assign anything like HOME or NETHOME).Description can be left blank. Now it will ask for a restart click yes. Once restarted you will have to create a sharde folder which users can access (or use an exsisting folder) say for example My documents. Go to My computer and then to C:\(assuming c:\ is where your folder is stored) right click my Documents and choose the Sharing Option in the list. From here assign a name such as ShrdFol98 and if you want a password or not. Once done click OK. A hand should appear at the bottom of the folder now indicating that it is shared if not simply restart the system. Phew that was a chor :P Now for XP similar setup except some names are different. Once your card is installed and is working correctly right click My Netowork Places(if on the desktop if not go to Start>settings>Control panel> then choose on the left pane Network connections right clcik your connection and then assign 10.0.0.2 and 255.0.0.0 (windows may fill in the subnetmask for you) file and printer sharing is enabled by default in xp. XP will not need to restart whenever a new ip and subnet mask are set however windows98 will. Next right click My Computer and choose properties. Then on the Identification tab (or similar name not on an xp machine so i can't remember exactly) give the system a name (simple is normally the best) and the exact same workgroup name as the 98 machine(very important) this may require a restart. Once restarted windows will share the shared folder automatically however always best to check. Open my computer and right click the folder called shared folder (or similar name) choose sharing tab again or go through properties then sharing and make sure a name and access to all users (or required users is given) then enable the connection if disabled and go to start>run and type cmd. Then typr ping 10.0.0.2 do this for the 98machine but type command in the run box and obviously 10.0.0.l you should see 32bytes of data sent and then a confirmation message that they were recieved. Once pining is done succesfuly (if not post back with errors) restart the windows 98machine this is vital in fact best to turn both machines off and then start the WinXP machine, wait till thisw is loaded and enable the network if disabled. This is very important to do. Once this is done you can start the 98machine once loaded the windows XP machine should see the 98 computer in my network places (the shared foilder that is) sometimes it doesn't show right away so ping the 98 machine from XP by start>run>cmd then ping 10.0.0.1 this tends to show up then. If you have simple files sharing disabled in WinXP Pro you wil have to create a user account for the 98 machine to acces it straight off otherwise a valid username and password must be entered all the time from the 98 machine so that access can be granted to the shared folders etc. I know this was long as hell but that should be a succcesfuly working network between Xp and 98 if this does not work post back. also a long block of text can be confusing so re-read this a few times and even make notes if you want :P hth