TCP/IP interfering with cable modem

[Master363]

I've been trying to network my two computers (direct cat5 with X-over adaptor on one end) using NetBios over TCP/IP. One machine will be stand-alone, while the other has a cable modem run through a NIC (IOW, two NICs in the one computer). Whenever I get set up and think I'm gonna sit back and sigh with satisfaction, I find that neither computer can see the other and, while the lights are still blinking on the modem, I cannot access anything on the net due to "DNS errors." Am I missing something in particular, or is there something I need to do to separate the two NICs in the one machine? I have also tried Netbeoui with similar results.

[EzyStvy]

I think you have to leave the defualt gateway blank on the second nic.

This $29.99 router sure would solve your problems in a hurry:

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...314-007&depa=0

[yellohut]

the router is definately the best way to go...
if not then you should just start over from scratch... make sure your connections are the way you want them, and if you're using winxp then run the networking wizard... it should get you where you need to go.

[Master363]

I bought a 5 port hub and extra cat5e cable. Hooked both machines to the hub and connected my cable modem via the uplink port. Each computer could see the other and transfer files, but no internet access. I removed the second NIC from the one computer as it had seemed to be my problem earlier.
Now I have internet access, but no network. Each computer sees itself on the network, but not each other. Any suggestions?

[bailey]

do not connect anything to the uplink port, it is for connecting another hub

[Master363]

Thank you. My net connection is faster now, but I'm still unable to communicate between the two computers.

[bailey]

to be able to communicate between the two computers, you will need to have something shared in both of them.

[glc]

If you are using a hub instead of a router, your ISP will bill you for a second IP address. A router is a LOT safer because it is also a firewall. Go exchange your hub for a router.

[Master363]

My second computer does not have internet access enabled (I turn off the wizard and avoid clicking on IE). I only want it to communicate with the computer that does have a connection. Is that maybe why I'm having this problem? I have NICs installed and working in both machines--all light indicators show viable connections among machines and cable modem--sharing is enabled on both machines--folders have been marked to share--I have transferred files between both machines at the point where comp. 1 was not communicating with the modem--when I got the connection between the cable modem and comp. 1 going, I lost ability for either comp. to see the other. I have given only bits and pieces of info in my past posts. Hopefully this will be more helpful. I am not trying to be sarcastic with any of this. ...Maybe I just need to go with a router....?

[Master363]

I want to say thank you to all who have given me aid this far.

[glc]

You need to get a router. What you have right now is one machine drawing a real world IP address from the cable modem, and the other failing to draw any IP address (it appears that instead of billing you for a second IP address, they have it set to only give out one IP address). Both machines have to have a valid IP address in the same subnet in order to communicate with each other. A router will take care of this easily - it takes the one IP address from the ISP and "translates" it to multiple machines using a range of "private" IP addresses. A router also gives you the advantage of a hardware firewall.