Hi, Before I go any further, here's what I'm dealing with for this network problem a. 2 PC's b. One Motorola Surfboard modem The 2 PC's are linked, and the main PC has the Cable modem plugged into one of the two network cards (the other one goes to the 2nd PC), and it's a straight-through cable. c. Both PC's are linked to each other by a crossover cable (with ICS). d. I want to be able to plug in the crossover cable to the modem, so that the 2nd PC can get the net. e. The 2nd PC has 2 HDD's, each with a clean installation of XP Pro. However, a few months ago when the main PC was out at the shop, I could plug in the crossover cable and hey presto, I got the net. I was wondering how I did it, as I didn't change any settings. I think the main PC had a MAC address set up, and the ISP (Optus Cable) might limit it to only one MAC address. How can I get the net on the 2nd PC without having to buy a router? The cable modem has both USB and ethernet ports. Could you please explain how to set it up? I've tried different IP address settings and the XP Networking Wizard, but it keeps on saying that it cannot complete it. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this, Matthew.

connect a passthrough cable from the surfboard modem to one of the NIC cards of the main computer. Then use the crossover cable from the other NIC card of the main computer to the second computer. That is the wiring layout. 1) the names of both computers need to be different as in main computer and garage computer or what ever. 2)The type of computer needs to be the same as in workgroup. 3)on main computer in internet options > connections tab select to set up an internet connection > settings and in the first window tick the "I want to set up an "advanced connection" in the next window select to allow incoming connections... and the next you select what connection port to use and it will set it up. 4) on the other computer you would follow the same proceedure except that you will chose to set up directly to another computer and then again select your port and it should be set up. In The Matters Of Style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, Stand Like A Rock

Almost all newer network interface cards do an autonegotiate. Any cable will normally work.

Will that get me the internet on the 2nd PC all the time? I want it so that I can plug the cables around and then back again when I don't need the net on the 2nd PC