I am trying to setup a Home network with two XP computers.

The system keeps telling me that my cable is unplugged yet after hrs of trouble shooting I can not find the problem.
Everything I checked on the Eithernet card show both working properly.

I even took one of the cards out and replaced still same message..
I replaced the cable still nothing ?

Can someone Help with my problem ?
Gary

phillysteakandcheese

I am assuming you have a router, switch, or hub connecting the computers together. Make sure it is powered on. I've found that if power goes off on my router, Windows XP will report that the cable is disconnected as well.

If both computers do the same thing, I would bet the problem is with the router, switch, or hub you are using.

Check the ethernet port your are connecting the ethernet cable to as well. Your computer should show an orange and a green light. If there's not at least the orange light, there isn't wire connectivity. On your router, switch, or hub, the port you are connecting your computer to should show a green light as well to indicate connectivity.

greichl

Philly
I do not have a router ! I was under the imprssion that I could connect the two direct, is this not the case ???
Gary

psi42

If you're going to do that you need to use a crossover cable.

Here are a few.

ScottGem

You do not need a router. The purpose of a router (in your case) is to share an Internet connection. You need one of three things. Either a hub, or a switch or a crossover cable. The latter will work only when connecting 2 PCs. Sounds like you are using a standard Ethernet cable and not a crossover.

scotsman1

hi i've just purchased a laptop, i've managed to trasfer files from my pc but i'm having trouble sharing net access between the two, i have an abtapter
connected to my laptop, to i need to connect something to my pc?!
Ross

ScottGem

You need to give us whay more info about what you have done. The best way of sharing an Internet connection is using a broadband router, assuming you have broadband. You talk about an adapter connected to the laptop but you don't say what or how you connected to share files.

My suggestion is go out and get a wireless broadband router (I'm assuming the laptop is wireless (802.11 b/g). Connect your broadband modem (assuming you use broadband) to the router and then connect your desktop to the built in switch and the laptop configure wirelessly (instructions come with the device).

If you don't use browadband or need more help please reporst giving us much more details about your internet connection your internal connections, what versions of Windows etd.

scotsman1

hi, yes i do have broadband and yes it is a wireless laptop, i think i do need a router as suggested by a friend.

ScottGem

There are a number of wireless broadband routers out there. I'm partial to Linksys, but Belkin, Netgear, D-Link and others have models. You should be able to find on well under $100.