Network bridge connection

[jiminwatford]

Hi, i'm not sure if it will help but i'll try and explain my problem

i'm trying to share files and even an internet connection between two pcs.

both have XP. i have installed a 'Net-linq' USB network bridge cable. i loaded the drivers onto both PCs.

i connected the cable. highlighted two connections in Newtwork connections and selected Create Bridge on both pcs.

a bridge has been created but i don't think the computers are talking to each other.

on one pc it looks like this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/jiminwatford/untitled.jpg

and the other looks like this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/jiminwatford/untitled-1.jpg

is there anything i'm missing or overlooked? There is not a lot i know about doing this so really any heklp would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

James

[PrntRhd]

There has to be something shared and accessible on both PCs.
We need to know if they are XP Home or XP Pro?
Are you using USB or are you using Ethernet for the Internet connection? You DO need to use Windows Internet Connection Service (ICS) to share the Internet via that cable.

[jiminwatford]

hi, i'm using xp pro. i WAS connecting with USB when i made the post but i'm now using an Ethernet connection.

i haven't used ICS for anything, i expect it is quite straight forward?

thanks, James

[PrntRhd]

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/crawford_02july01.mspx

Do be aware it is safer to simply get a home router and connect each PC to the router via Ethernet patch cables because the router also includes a hardware firewall in most cases.
It will also allow Internet from the second PC without having to have the first PC booted, and helps speed things up. Your choice.

[jiminwatford]

Thanks. I've got the two sharing files. That was by going through ICS. Theyare not sharing internet connection. One is definately host and the other client. Host was set up first. Settings seem to be all right.

is there any help i could look at for this?

thanks again,
James