[craftee]

I run a small business from home, so I got the second machine to share the workload.

I need to have back up files and share printers etc. just normal networking "stuff".

I don't need the second machine to access the internet, although it would be a bonus if it could.

[Cerviperus]

Ok... so let me make sure I have your testing straight in my head...

eMachine & Dell -connected-> switch -connected-> cable modem = eMachine OK, Dell Nothing

Dell -connected-> switch -connected-> cable modem = Dell Nothing

Have you tried connecting the cable modem directly to the Dell and see what happens? In doing this, if you still get no connection we may be able to rule out the switch as being a problem. However, if you do, it may be a PC setting, or a switch issue.

[craftee]

All of the tests you summarised are correct, plus I did one more

eMachine & Dell -connected-> switch -connected-> = eMachine Nothing, Dell Nothing

It's time for bed here in England, so I'll connect the Dell direct to the Cable Madem in the morning. Thanks for all your help so far, I'll post again tomorrow.

Regards,

Paul

[TerryNet]

Oh, boy! Your testing and the explanations by prOt3st and Cerviperus have established that modem + switch + 2 computers is not going to add up to anything useful. In the longer term, look for a good sale or rebate on a (wireless) router with some ethernet ports. With such a router you'll be able to "easily" set up a network to share files and printer and to use the internet from either or both computers, and to add computers if the need arises.

I'm disappointed that the Dell did not work (alone) with the switch and modem. I just thought of something else though; I think some cable ISPs still insist that the MAC address of the attached computer be registered with them. If so, this would prevent the Dell from connecting. To check this you'd need to call your ISP support, see if they require MAC address, and if so is there a web site or something where you can change the registration. Otherwise, I'm pretty lost as to why the Dell doesn't acquire an IP address.
---------------------------------------------

Now, as far as networking them together. With them connected to the switch (but no modem attached), when you turned them on (or restarted) I would expect them to negotiate with each other for up to a minute and eventually each get an IP address of 169.254.x.y with Subnet mask of 255.255.0.0. And then you should have been able to ping each from the other. Unless blocked by firewall! Best to turn off Window XP firewall and uninstall any other firewalls until you get networking going the way you want it. But you got NO IP addresses? 0.0.0.0?

[craftee]

Hi TerryNet,

I have just read your summary and am beginning to think I need to buy a router, even though I don't need Internet access on both machines.

One thing I did note was that you said:-

Best to turn off Window XP firewall and uninstall any other firewalls until you get networking going the way you want it.

I have XP Firewall turned off , but my Norton Internet Security I have only ever disabled. Could this be causing the problem?

Thanks,

Paul

[TerryNet]

I have no personal experience with 3rd party firewalls. However, I've noted threads in this forum where the person had "disabled" Norton or other firewall only to post several days later that he discovered that the firewall was silently blocking communication and he had to uninstall it (or configure it properly) to get working.

[craftee]

Thanks Guys for all your advice.

I am of the impression that I Need a Router, to solve my problem.

I'm going to get one on Sunday, and I think I'll be out of the woods.

If for some reason I'm still struggling, I'll post another question.

Thanks again for all of your efforts.

Regards,

Paul

[Littleme]

hi just thought I'd let you guys know that I use a switchbox to connect 4 computers. We all see each other and can all use the net. the switchbox has its own connection and Private IP that starts with 192.168.xxx.xxx. The internet goes thru my computer and I have assigned my DHCP. I manually configurated my Switchbox IP. I have no default gateway for it. the other 3 computers that are hooked up to the switchbox has its IP assigned by DHCP.

We then just ran networking wizard on all of them. We can share printers, folders and files.

Swithbox networking seems far easier than using a router - I was told so I didn't really bother with trying out a router.

[craftee]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

In my case the Cable Modem can't connect direct to a PC.

I have solved my problem by buying a Belkin Router.

I was up and running in minutes, after weeks of struggling, so I am well pleased.

Only cost me £33 from PC World.

Regards,

Paul.

[TerryNet]

Glad to hear you got your network to your satisfaction, Paul. I've had a Belkin router for 4 months and have been very happy with it--no problems.

Thank you for getting back to us with your update.