Finally, one of two computers is networked!...?

[jon321]

I'm networking my two PCs via a wired D-link router which is connected to a Linksys cable modem. I have D-link NIC cards installed.

Both computers are able to access the internet, however, only my main computer can see and access the files of the second pc. The second pc can't see itself or the main in the Network Neighborhood.

I have the same network settings on both computers, and I have file and print sharing ticked on both pc's network settings for all protocols. I've tried using Windows' Network Troubleshooter, but that hasn't been any help. I can ping each computer by using the MS-DOS ping command.

One thing that I've noticed is that there is no user log in screen on the second pc, but there is on the main pc. Also, from the second pc, I can use the Start -> Find -> Computer.. and find my main pc, but can't explore it. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[glc]

What operating systems are we dealing with here?

[jon321]

Win98se on both computers. Also, I ran "net diag" from the MS-DOS command prompt and it couldn't find any diagnostic servers on the network for IPX or NetBIOS. Could this be a problem?

[gunrunnerjohn]

Did you try installing NETBEUI protocol on both machines?

[jon321]

Yes, as well as IPX/SPX and TCP/IP. I have three adapters: D-Link DFE-530TX + PCI Adapter, Dial-Up Adapter, LinkSys Cable Modem. All of these adapters are bound to the same three protocols. It is this way on both machines minus the cable modem adapter on the second pc.

[jon321]

Should I be using a crossover cable to connect the second pc to the router? Right now, it's just a basic cat5. I hear about crossover cables every now and again, but don't know much about them.

[junk2drive]

I went nutz first time networking, turned out to be mcafee firewall. uninstalled it. zonealarm (free) works if set to low or medium for internet access. dont use the disc that comes with dlink.

[jon321]

I'll try it. I have ZoneAlarm Pro on my first pc and ZoneAlarm (free) on the second. Maybe that's why my second pc can't see my first..? Thanks.

[jon321]

No luck after disabling the firewalls. Even with both firewalls on, I can ping each computer.

I just finished talking to D-Link technical support and they weren't any help. However, the guy I talked to said I didn't need IPX/SPX or NetBEUI protocols, and that I should try re-installing the TCP/IP protocol. I did, but it didn't work.

[jon321]

Do you know that feeling you get after so much frustration has built up inside because you've been hopelessy trying to network two computers for two days and getting nowhere after installing and uninstalling drivers and programs and connecting and unconnecting cables and reconfiguring settings and then just happen to click Start -> Log Off, and then you're able to log onto the network and realize that it's been right all along and you've been pointlessy laboring away for no reason? Well, I just had it. Thanks for the help.

[tigstah]

been there done that......then you wanna kick yourself