Crossover Cable Network Issues

[AnTwan]

I am trying to connect two desktops, both running Windows XP pro, using a crossover cable for purposes of connecting for playing games on a network. We have the cable hooked up and we are having an issue with "limited or low connectivity" between the two systems. Can anyone help us out so we can get a full connection running. I am not very wise in the way of networks so let me know what information you need and I will tell you what we have. Any help that can be given would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks.

~AnTwan

[PrntRhd]

Welcome to the PC Guide forums!

Let's start here:
You use a Patch cable if connecting the PCs to a router/switch/or hub.
You use a Crossover cable if connecting one PC's NIC to another PCs NIC directly (no router/switch/hub).
Are you using a network or just crossover between the PCs?

Next, you use unique computer Names for each PC, 8 character limit.
Both PCs should have Identical workgroup names.

Advise and we will go forward.

[AnTwan]

Thanks for the welcome!
I am using a crossover cable to connect two PCs together without a hub. Our workgroup is MSHOME on both computers, his computer's name is "Computer" and mine is "Anthony".
The computers are talking to eachother, because I can put files in my shared folder on "My Network Places" and he can then recieve them. Our problem is in the two networks having "Low or Limited Connectivity" and "Computer" won't recieve all the packets "Anthony" sends and vice-versa. The connection is also not enough to support any gaming. Let me know what you think.

[Variable]

Could be a bad cable or interference over the cable from source of radiation. Like a motor or power cable. Also, check that both NIC's are the same speed. 100Mbps NIC's are now the standard even if you had older 10Mbps NIC's you still have more bandwidth than your computer can probably handle.

[AnTwan]

Well the problem is solved, I had to set the IP addresses in the TCP/IP controls. Thanks for the help though.

[PrntRhd]

Glad you got it resolved.
That was the next step, you would assign addresses manually if not using a router.

[ananke1]

After you do the network wizard and establish an Internet connection through one of your computers then you normally go to My Network Place to see the shared folders. Now I did this but no luck. Zoooom 4 hours later and this is how I solved it:

1. Set both computers to NO Firewall.
2. Set ALL Virus programs to disable.
3. Make sure in "My Computer" you establish a name and THE SAME WORKGROUP NAME for each computer: Ex. emachine = name; Home=workgroup
compaq = other computer name; Home=workgroup
4. From one computer (let's say the compaq) go to START, RUN, enter
\\emachine and click enter or OK.
5. You will/should now see the emachine's shared files and folders on your compaq's screen (of course you substitute your personal computer names for mine but you get the idea; also you must right click folders and printers to establish them as "shared" [click the sharing tab]).

Good luck!

It's real fun.

Lance

PS-Make sure you connect with a CROSS OVER CABLE not a Patch Cable.