How do I set up an LAN and internet connection from XP to vista?

Question

My modem is connected to my XP PC, which is connected through 2 ethernet cables with a coupler to my vista PC. I have been able to access the internet through the vista PC, but it seems to have suddenly stopped working, but the XP PC still is connected to the internet. I can not think of how to set it up properly. Step by step instructions on how to set it up from scratch would help a lot. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

I highly recommend you use a router.

But I will give you both configurations, with and without a router.

You don't actually need a router for only two computers > you can connect them with one “crossover” type Ethernet cable. In this set up Computer1 will need to be turned on for computer2 to access the internet.

A connection by means of a router is more secure but requires a “regular” type Ethernet cable… a router will block any would be hackers from crossing into your Network….because, they would only see the IP of the router.

You would only need a router or switch when you are connecting MORE THAN two computers.

NO ROUTER:

1. Connect the incoming ISP signal to the modem.

2. Use a short "regular" Ethernet cable to connect the modem to the first computer1.

3. Use a longer CROSSOVER cable to connect computer1 to computer2.

Using a “CROSSOVER” cable (no router):

Now, to connect computer1 to computer2

the back of computer1 will need to have another RJ 45 port (recommended)

OR at least a USB port.

with ROUTER

1. Use the appropriate cable to connect the incoming ISP signal to the modem. For dial-up you’ll need twisted pair. For cable you’ll need regular Ethernet cable.

2. Use a short regular Ethernet cable to connect the modem to the regular ROUTER. If you have computers that have “wireless” capability, then you do not need to go on to 3. and 4.  

You can also purchase a type of router that has BOTH wired and wireless capability, depending on the need of the kind of computers you have.

3. For NON-wireless Use a short regular Ethernet cable to connect the router to computer1.

4. For NON-wireless Use a bit longer additional Ethernet cable to connect the router to

computer 2.

Look on the back of computer1 to see what kind of ports you have available. Look for a port that looks the same as phone but is a bit LARGER in which you plug in your end RJ45 CONNECTOR.

If you need more specifics go to

R-click START > L-click Explore

at top tool bar click HELP >

INDEX > type in Networking

FOR BOTH COMPUTERS TO BE ABLE TO SHARE FILES:

To share files you will need to be using the SAME File System like FAT or NTFS all computers for your network.

To open your computer over the network for specific users to access.

1. Go to START > Control Panel > Windows Firewall >

Tab General select ON >

then on tab EXCEPTIONS > ALLOW file and print sharing on port 80.

2. All users should be Networked to join the same WORKGROUP with exact name spelling

Example: OURGROUPNAME

3. Then the computer(s) that want to share files

will map their drives for the other computers to access.

each computer will get a different mapped drive letter

like Z, Y, X etc.

4.  Also in MyNetwork Neighborhood you need to run the wizard, on each computer, and have each computer’s name available.  After running the wizard on computer 1, you will need a source to copy the information over

such as a floppy disk, or a removable flash drive, to transfer the information to the other computers.

5. Then on each computer, in Network Neighborhood

create a folder named SHARED DOCS

and then for every file you want to share

RIGHT-click/drag/copy the file into the Shared Docs folder

OR

IF you want to share the entire drive C on the PC (NOT recommended)

or other sub folder (recommended)

right click that folder > select Sharing and Security>

share this folder

6.  After file sharing is configured on both computers you should be able to access files easily.

The path I use to view files on my other computer is

Right Click START > left Click Explore >

scroll down to MyNetwork Neighborhood > and open the Workgroup folder >

find the mapped drive to the other computer and double click >

wait a few seconds and it will display all of the shared files on the other computer.

^j^

Answer 2

I don't know what a coupler is...

You will need to have one computer with two network cards, the modem, and a network switch/hub or crossover cable, and the other computer.

Lets say computer A has the two network cards, and computer B has only one.

1. You connect your modem to one of the network cards in computer A. Ensure the Internet is working on it.

2a.  Connect computer A to the up link port on your switch or hub. Then connect computer B to one of the free ports on your switch or hub.

2b.  If you have a crossover cable you will just directly connect the free network card in computer A to the free network card in computer B. A crossover cable is a special type of Ethernet cord, and if you don't know what it is, then you don't have one.

3. Setup Internet connection sharing:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306126 on Windows XP

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows... on Windows Vista

You should read the link, http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows... as it may give you a better understanding how to use Internet Connection Sharing.