I have tried to network 2 pcs with a crossover cable in the ethernet socket. I have set up drivers etc and used the network wizzards but no luck. I keep getting messages like "file sharing has been blocked" and in win98 set up "system policies do not allow adding selected device". I only have one monitor between the 2 hard drives so this makes it more difficult. Is it possible to do this where I only have access to one pc via keyboard/mouse? If so which one should I use - host or guest? Any advice would be appreciated.

Re: I can't get my 2 pcs to talk to each other

There is no quick and easy way to solve this but I can list a few staring points.

First things first if you mentioned you only have one screen. I recommend you try to get a cheap KVM (Keyboard/Video/Mouse) switch. It makes going from one to the other PC just a single button push. (I got my first ine from Dick Smiths).

You do not say what operatuing systems you are using, are they both Win 98 is it SE? because there were some improvemnts for networking in that from memory.

"file sharing has been blocked" is a bit of a give away as you need to set up the shareing of files/drives on a network PC. If you go into explorer, right click on the drives/files you want to make availble and you will see the option "share". Complete this and perahps let me know how you got on. There are alos settings necessary in the TCP settingds for each ethernet card but I will wait to see how you get on.

Some of this will be from memroy as I have moved to Windows XP/mandrake_Linux. Both of which are friendly more freindly to achieve what you are trying to do. If there are any out there that are more skilled in Win98 I wll let them take over.

Re: I can't get my 2 pcs to talk to each other

Thanx for the reply...

I have done the ipconfig test which seems to be ok. Then tried to ping using the stuff in my pc help menu and this seems to be ok. I already set up TCP IPX SPX NetBIOS and other drives on both PCs using info I got from a web site.
I have used the "wizards" of both PCs and what I am seeing in "Network Connections" on the guest PC (win XP) is:

1) Direct - IBM disconnected communications cable between 2 computers

2) Incoming - no clients connected

3) Network bridge -

a) Local area connection - Enabled bridged via Rhine II fast ethernet adapter
b) 1394 connection - enabled, bridged 1394 net adapter
c) Network bridge - enabled MAC bridge miniport

The status for the Network Bridge connections shows "connected" for 3 a),b) and c). After doing the config and ping tests

a) 1368 bytes sent
b) no activity
c) 628 packets sent

The host PC is the IBM windows 98 SE. I'm still at a loss as the PCs seem to be connected but I can't get files shared. The win 98 host seems to be stopping the sharing.

Re: I can't get my 2 pcs to talk to each other

Hi Gary,

Firstly, make sure that the cable is a Cat 5 'Cross over' cable, it sound like you are pretty sure you have the right one. ;-)

If the two network cards are different and the OS are different sometimes you might run into trouble.

As for the 1 Monitor/Key/Mouse, it will be more then worth it to get yourself a KVM... These can be picked up at just about any PC store, however about the best KVM and great value brand you can get in Australia is the Comsol range. www.comsol.com.au

If the two PC you have are both running Win 98 Sec or above it might also be worth looking at the USB file Transfer Cable Comsol has as well. ;-)

You can check the products out at their website @ www.comsol.com.au, or in store (Sydney- ST Digital Strathfield, or CX Computers City).

If you are in other states I think you can get it from Harris, or if you are out of a capital city, give the guys at Comsol a call they will tell you where to get it in your town... ;-)

Hope this helps....

If there is anything else you need please feel free to contact me as needed... micky_b_@hotmail.com

Re: I can't get my 2 pcs to talk to each other

Just a quick suggestion. Remove the bridging that Windows has created by default. You don't want the 1394 connection included, as that's your Firewire port. For some absurd reason Windoze likes to think it's part of your network.

Hope this helps.