networking win xp pro and win 98

Want to network two computers to share files.
Machine 1 Win XP pro. Machine 2 Win 98 SE.
no internet connection.
have a cable router avaiable.
what is the easiest way ?

 

This will let the two share files assuming your cable router includes a switch (so it has more than one port to plug a PC into).

I'm making several assumptions so if any of them are wrong, say something and we can tweak the settings a little:
- you have a router/switch that will use DHCP to assign network values to the two network cards
- you would like both PCs to connect to the internet as well as share files & printers

• Both PCs need different computer names. 15 characters or fewer, no spaces, all alpha-numeric characters or _ or - in the name.
• Both PCs need to have the same workgroup name. Same naming criteria.
• Both PCs need to have Client for Microsoft Networking loaded as well as File & Printer Sharing.
• Both PCs need the user logging on with a username and non-blank password. Simplest is for you to use the exact same username/password on both.
• Both PCs will need something (file/folder/printer) shared if you want them to show up in network neighborhood.
• Both PCs will need to connect to the switch with standard (not crossover) patch cables.
• One PC (either one but not both) will need to be acting as a browser. 98 has it as a setting on the network card. XP has it as a service.

When you have all the above set up and have rebooted each PC, test the connection as follows (but use your own PC names):

XP - start~run~cmd followed by ping 98-PC-name
98 - start~run~command followed by ping XP-PC-name

Both should see the other PC and give you a series of 4 return signals.

If that works properly, then finish the testing as follows:

98 - start~run~\\XP-PC-name\sharename which should open a windows explorer session with the shared folder on XP opened up.
XP - start~run~\\98-PC-name\sharename should do the same with the 98 shared folder.

 

I have one XP Pro machine and two 98 SE machines networked.

I have a Linksys BEFSR41 Router. All I did was run a cable between each NIC and the Router.

Let the Router be the DHCP server and that was it.

My Cable Modem also connected to the Router.

BillyBob

 

YES. that is a must.

Do not ask how I know and I will not need to lie

BB