Can't play games on a LAN

Hi everyone.


I need some help with my network., i'm using WIN ME on a Compaq Presario.

When i'm connected to a LAN my computer can't join other peoples games, but i can see their shared folders.

It all works fine when i'm using a direct cable between 2 computers.

Please help me, i'm getting insane if i'm not able to play games with my friends.

Thanks in reply.

 

You can probably see their shared folders because of NetBIOS broadcasts taking place on the LAN which means you probably have the NetBEUI protocol installed. Most LAN enabled games require either the TCP/IP or IPX/SPX protocols to be installed. Find out which the game uses and install that by right clicking on My Network Places and add the appropriate protocol.

 

I have all protocols installed.

When i play a game like counterstrike - where there are no gather menu for people to wait for each other - it works perfect. But when i play a game like RedAlert2 which have a gather menu it doesn't work because they can't see my game, i can't see theirs either.


I think this problem i have is something to do with win ME, because it works perfect with win98.

 

So I trust everyone else is using Windows 98 then? I can't see why having ME would make any difference since the networking piece is really no different, but then again, Windows ME is not one of my favorite OS's.

Anywho, I'd make sure all the network settings are configured excatly as your friends. Depending on what protocol these games use, check the settings on TCP/IP and IPX/SPX and match those. Also make sure you are in the same workgroup and your network card settings match (half or full duplex, 10mbit or 100Mbit, etc...).