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Windows XP Home Network Issue

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14 replies

by naamor

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I have set up a Windows XP Home network for a friend, but I am having some problems. Here is the setup. 2 PCs (running WinXP Home), 1 Netgear hub. PC 1 Host PC - has 2 NICs.
Cat 5 cable from cable modem to NIC 1, Cat 5 cable from NIC 2 to Hub. PC 2Client PC
Cat 5 cable from NIC to Hub.
I first tried to use the Network Setup Wizard, this did not work. I tried enabling Internet Connection Sharing, again no luck. So then I set it up like my own network (I am running Win2K Pro) which is as follows

PC 1 Host PC
NIC 1 Comcast DHCP

NIC 2 configuration:
IP=192.168.XX.XX
Subnet Mask= 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway=192.168.XX.1
DNS=192.168.XX.1

PC 2 Client PC

IP=192.168.XX.XXX
Subnet Mask=255.255.255.0
Default Gateway=192.168.XX.1
DNS=192.168.XX.1

I can now see the shared folders from one PC to the next (could not before). However the Client PC still cannot get out to the web. The host PC has no problem doing so.

Is there something in the home version that is different than the Pro or am I missing something?

14 replies

by sgt_shultz

being in a Domain or in a Workgroup is separate issue from being able to get out on Internet. Being 'on the network' is not the key to sharing the Internet, they are separate. You can hang a Home Edition version of XP on a NT Domain network and haveit share the broadband Internet connection without being able to login to Domain or Workgroup or use any network resource. kinda handy actually, reducing security issues some...sharing the internet mostly just needs you to have correct cabling and tcpip settings...check those link lights and use ping to confirm cabling is good from pc to pc and from each pc out to internet (ping earthlink.com for a good test)
simplify your setup as an experiment? just plug all pc's AND the modem into the hub. watch for link light on the modem, if dark, try cabling modem to the uplink port on your hub or use a crossover cable? rest hub and modem for good luck. but i think straight thru cable will work... you just need to 'present' the internet to all the computers via your correctly configured ethernet cable and tcpip, it's got nothing to do with being 'on the network' with them... just because you can't see shared folders is no indication you won't see the internet ...you aren't using AOL broadband are you?...
good luck and keep us posted...

by naamor

Thanks for the replies.

This is a home user, so domains are not involved. Both systems are in the same workgroup.

They have Comcast (as do I)and I have link lights on the hub for each connection. I can ping each PC from each other, I just cannot ping anything on the web (I usaully use winzip.com).
Any other ideas?

This is becoming embarrassing for me. I have Comcast and a network at home with a server and three workstations and do not have this problem.

by greybeard770

Start over. Buy a NetGear router, the kind with a built in 4 port switch (RP614 $69). Connect the router to the cable modem. Connect the 2 computers to the router. Remove the second NIC. And don't even think about using Internet Connection Sharing.

by ann777

DNS settings are not correct. They may default to a non-routable address (in your TCP/IP properties), but your DNS ip address should be the DNS your ISP is using.

by naamor

Greybeard770, I am afraid a router is not an option.
Anna777 I tried your suggestion with no luck. I double checked my own setup and it is exactly as I described above. This is making no sense.

I am still open to suggestions. Thanks for the help.

by dustyd

I have not used XPHome, but I have setup my network with and without a router, the router route is definitely better. Check to see what the client's default internet connection is using. If no problem there, re-set client nic to obtain IP address.(and host also.)This should be obtained from the host PC. Don't specify DNS.
XPPro. assigns internal network addresses.

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