I need to network a couple of PCs for file and printer sharing, and internet connection sharing. One is a low spec machine with Win98, the other is a XP1500 with XP Home installed. Basically, I need the Win98 machine to have access to everything on the XP machine, and to use the internet connection too.

I've done this before using Win98 and WinMe using the Me home networking wizard thing, but I'm guessing there are some differences with XP as it's more like NT. There are also a couple of users set up on the XP box and I want to make sure that there is a common set of directories that all users can access from both machines. I was thinking of using a cheap home network kit, or a couple of network adapters and a cable (it's about 25m round the room from one pc to the other).

Can anyone give me any advice on the best way to set up directories and permissions etc. and what's the easiest way to get the Win98 pc linked up (software wise).

Thanks in advance

Ken

 

There's no problems getting both to talk to each other. Just install a NIC in each and give them both a unique IP address (use the 10.0.0.x or 192.168.0.x range for an internal network). Check file/printer sharing is installed on XP, then share one of the folders.

When Win98 attempts to connect to XP, it must provide a valid username/password combo to authenticate the connection.
That means you'll either have to setup individual users on Win98 or create one user for everyone to use, then create the same username on the XP with the relevant permissions to folders.

Another thing to watch for is the built-in firewall on XP. It will prevent the Win98 from browsing it's computer name or connecting to shares.

Stefan

 

That was quick !!

Cheers Stefan,

Is there a way around the firewall problem or does it have to be switched off ? Will Norton personal firewall cause the same problem ?

Ken

 

Ken,

I haven't played around with the built-in one since it's cr@p IMHO You could probably work around this, but I just turned it off and used Zonealarm to protect his PC's from the net.

Norton would do just as good a job (although I personally prefer ZA).

Edited to answer 2nd point. Yes, Norton (like any other Firewall) will block all ports during install. If it's anything like Zonealarm, you either allow certain local pc's (ip addresses) or a whole local network (subnet) to connect.

Stefan

[Edited by ozzy - 7/22/2002 4:11:20 PM]

 

Ken,

This site is very useful for showing you how to network various systems

http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/wxpwin9x.htm

Stefan

 

Cheers