This is a repost of the question located here:
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=194625

My two computers are not networked and I would like to try and solve
this tonight.

Any additional help would be greatly appreciated.

NOTE: Please post your answer as a comment until my two computers are
actually networked.

Thank you for any assistance with this.

Greetings gooooogle,

Well, after quite a bit of troubleshooting and comments back and
forth, I'm glad to hear that we finally got your two computers
networked together. To sum up, here's what was necessary:

1) Make sure both computers have the same network protocol installed
(TCP/IP).
2) Make sure both computers have "Client for Microsoft Networks" and
"File and Printer Sharing" installed and enabled.
3) Remove any unnecessary network components such as "Client for
Netware Networks" and "IPX/SPX Protocol".
4) Make sure both computers have IP addresses on the same subnet.
5) Be sure to disable any firewall software you may be using as it
will many times interfere with home networking protocols such as ICMP
(PING).
6) Install NetBEUI as a last ditch effort to get both computers seeing
each other by name in Network Neighborhood.

I was happy to work with you on this question and I hope you are
satisifed with the end result. If I can be of further assistance on
this question, please don't hesitate to "ask for clarification".

Sincerely,
PWizard

pwizard - Thank you so much for your patience, knowledge, and
hand-holding.  You consistently communicated with me on a timely basis
and my computers are now networked!!  You're great!! Thank you SO
MUCH!!!

Greetings gooooogle,

Here's some things to check:

1) Can you ping the two computers from each other to verify that they
can actually talk to each other across the hub?

2) Make sure they are both configured for the same "WORKGROUP" name.
From one of your last clarifications on the other question, it looked
like you had the 95 machine setup to login to a DOMAIN. This will not
work. You must have it set for WORKGROUP access and the name of the
workgroup needs to match that of the XP Home PC.

3) Make sure you have "File and Printer Sharing" installed on both
computers. Without this, they most likely will not show up in Network
Neighborhood.

4) Do you have the NETBEUI protocol installed on either/both machines?
If you're having trouble seeing the computers by name in Network
Neighborhood (especially on Win95) then installing the NetBEUI
protocol will definitely help as this is what maps IP addresses to
network computer names. I've seen many cases where TCP/IP just wasn't
enough to get the computers to show up by name in Network Neighborhood
(without everything else being setup exactly correct). I would verify
#1 thru 3 first, then try this last if you are still having problems.

As long as your TCP/IP settings are correct (both computers are on the
same subnet), both computers are setup for WORKGROUP access (there is
no choice on XP Home as it cannot login to a domain) with the same
WORKGROUP name, and both are communicating on the network properly,
then you should have no problem seeing each other on the network as
long as file and printer sharing is installed. As I mentioned, as a
last case effort, you can install the NetBEUI protocol and see if that
helps.

Let me know if this helps to solve your problem or if you need
additional help. I'd like to post this as an official answer before
you close out the question so that I can get credit for the answer,
however at your request I have posted this as a comment so you can
test.

Sincerely,
PWizard
Google Answers Researcher

1)  How exactly do I ping the computers?  I know to go to the Dos
screen and type in ping <something>.  How do i know what numbers to
put in there?

2) they are both configured for the same workgroup - "Home".  I didn't
purposely set up the login to the domain... it "just happened".  How
do i stop the domain access and change it to workgroup access?

3)  On the XP when I click on the properties for the LAN the following
items are checked:

Client for Microsoft Networks
File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
QoS Packet Scheduler
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

On the 95, when I right-click on Network Neighborhood and go to
properties, the Configuration is showing:

Client for Microsoft Networks
Client for NetWare Networks
SMC EZ Card PCI 10 Adapter
IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol
NetBEUI
File and printer sharing for Microsoft networks


How do I install the NetBEUI on the XP and set it up?

Thanks for all of your efforts.

OK gooooogle,

I can see your biggest problem right off the bat. Make the following
changes:

Windows 95 PC:

REMOVE: Client for NetWare Networks 
REMOVE: IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol 

ADD: TCP/IP (click on add then protocol)

I would hold off on installing NetBEUI on XP until you get everything
else worked out. You have to go through special measures to get
NetBEUI on XP and it's not worth it unless you are having major
problems connecting to the older operating systems. Having NetBEUI on
the 95 PC should be enough to see the XP machine from the 95 machine
at least once you get the network up and going. Right now, you don't
have the same network protocol installed on both computers so that
they can communicate with each other (TCP/IP). Without this, you'll
never get any further.

Now, reading your configuration from your previous question, I see
that you have a HUB connecting the two computers. I don't see,
however, any type of intelligent device such as a router or even a
DSL/Cable modem that is connecting to the HUB that can issue out IP
addresses for these computers. That means that you'll have to
configure the TCP/IP properties of both machines manually. If you do
have a modem or router in there somewhere, it should assign addresses
to your computers on the same subnet as long as they're set for DHCP.

If you're going to be manually setting them, I would just use
something like:

192.168.0.10 as the first address
255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask

192.168.0.11 as the second computer's address
255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask

...this will put both PCs on the same network as each other. Once you
have this setup, you can go to a command prompt and "ping" the other
computer by typing simply "ping 198.168.0.10" from the 192.168.0.11
computer and vice versa. You can also trying pinging the computer by
it's name using the same command (example: "ping PCNAME").

Once you're pinging each other, you're just about home free. You still
need to setup workgroup access in the Windows 95 network setup, and I
don't have a 95 PC in front of me right now and it's been quite a
while since I have, so you're just going to have to look around for it
a bit. Somewhere you told it to login to a domain named "home". I
believe there is a checkbox on the properties page for "Client for
Microsoft Networks" that says "login to Windows NT domain". Uncheck
that box, but leave "HOME" in the domain name window. There is a TAB
back on the main networking screen that says "Identification". Click
on it to set the name of the Workgroup (along with the name of your
computer)... this is where you should put the "HOME" workgroup name.

Do these things and let's see where you get. Below is the article that
explains how to install NetBEUI on XP Home. I've read several articles
that say you may need it in order to see shared resources on the
Windows 95 machine from the XP Home machine.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;301041

As the last researcher mentioned, Microsoft didn't go out of their way
to make XP network well with the older set of operating systems. You
may have to jump through a few hoops to get everything working like
you want it.

Good luck and let me know if I can help more. Again, please don't
close the question before I have the opportunity to post an
appropriate answer.

Thanks,
PWizard
Google Answers Researcher

Hi Pwizard,

First, let me say, please don't worry about me closing this question
without an you getting credit for the answer.. I have NO intention of
doing that.  I would just like to leave it open so that others will
look at it and maybe offer advice or help.  I think that people tend
to not look at "Answered" questions... but with all of the work you
are doing, I plan to make sure you get paid.

OK... so, I did everything you said:

I deleted Client for NetWare Networks and IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol
from the 95.

I set up the TCP/IP address on the 95 and XP.  The XP also had one
other part under the address for the "Default Gateway".  I left it
blank and didn't put any numbers in there.  (You are correct that I
don't have a dsl/cable modem installed.  I have regular dial-up modems
and the two computers have the ethernet cards installed and the cable
runs directly from the card to the hub.)

When I try to ping the computers, they tell me that they aren't
getting any response, so they time-out.  I did it from XP to 95, and
from the 95 to the XP.

I set up the workgroup access and was able to find "login to Windows
NT domain" under Client for Microsoft Networks, and you were right, it
was checked, so I unchecked it.  I also went to the Identification tab
and the workgroup was already set up as HOME.. so I left it as it was.

Also, when I click on Network Neighborhood I see "Entire Network",
when I double-click on Entire Network I get a message that says:

"Unable to browse the network.  The network is not accessible.  For
more information, look in the elp Index at the topic Network
Troubleshooter".

:(

as for the XP when I click on My Network Places, then View Workgroup
Computers, I see "Computer 1" which is the XP computer, but I don't
see the 95 (which is named "Pavilion").  When I double-click on
Computer 1 it shows me:
Printer
Printer2
Printer3
Shared Docs
Printers and Faxes
Scheduled Tasks

So, I can tell they aren't seeing each other and that would explain
why they can't ping each other -- I guess.

I can try the NetBEUI setup for the XP, but I need to find the CD that
came with the XP computer... but I'm guessing that wont solve the
problem with the 95 computer not being able to even see itself on the
Network.  So, what am I doing wrong with the 95?

Also.. if you stick with me on this, I will add a $5.00 tip.  I know
this is very time-consuming, and I am getting a bargain at $13.00 for
all of this help... even at $18.00, I'm getting a bargain!!

Thank you!

One thing I noticed was that at least one of you network cards is
capable of 100mbps, while the hub is only 10mbps.  Usually the network
card will detect the slower speed and switch down to it.  However
sometimes it does not work right.

So you could try manually locking the speed of the network cards to
10mbps and also setting them to half-duplex operation.

gooooogle,

Until you are able to ping the computers from each other, I'm not
going to be satisfied that the network is configured correctly. If you
configured the IP addresses as I mentioned in my last comment, there's
no reason that you shouldn't be able to ping each other unless your
HUB and or network hardware is malfunctioning or not setup correctly.

One thing to check is to make sure that you don't have the firewall
setting activated on the XP machine. This is on the ADVANCED tab in
the LAN properties page. Uncheck the "protect my computer and
network...." checkbox.

As far as the network cabling and HUB setup, I'm guessing that all of
this is correct? You're using straight patch cables and don't have
either computer plugged into the "uplink" port on the hub? If you
happen to have a crossover cable, you can take the HUB out of the
picture and connect the two pcs together with just the crossover cable
if you want to make sure the hub is working correctly.

On the 95 PC, make sure that TCP/IP is working correctly by pinging
yourself. Ping your own IP address and make sure you get a reply back
and then try pinging 127.0.0.1 and make sure you get a reply. If you
get no reply from those, TCP/IP is not working correctly or your
network card is not working correctly (or the driver).

Once you are able to ping each other, then we'll be concerned about
seeing each other in Network Neighborhood. As of right now, I don't
think the two computers are communicating on the network with each
other.

The last thing you can do for me is to verify the TCP/IP settings you
put in on both computers. On Win95, do RUN then type "winipcfg". Let
me know what it shows for IP, subnet, default gateway. On XP, go to a
command prompt and type "ipconfig /all". Let me know the same
parameters for it.

We'll go from there...

Sincerely,
PWizard

I'm working on the info. you gave me.. I will have the results in a few minutes.  :)

Let me start with:

I checked in the device manager to make sure that the cards are being
seen and that the device manager doesn’t show any errors.  There were
2 errors on the card, so I reinstalled the card using the floppy disk,
and I had to re-setup the TCP/IP and delete the other stuff that you
had told me to delete before.

As far as the firewall… I went to the LAN properties and to “protect
my computer and network” -- this option was NOT checked.  But… I am
running ZoneAlarm.

As far as the HUB:  The XP is plugged into line 1, the 95 into line 3.
 There is nothing else plugged into it (other than power).  As for the
lights on the top of the hub, #1 is green and is blinking constantly,
Light #3 is green and on steadily.

As for the pinging:
The XP can ping:
192.168.0.10 – It’s own address
127.0.0.1 – the other address you gave me
192.168.0.11 – the 95 Computer “Pavilion”

The 95 Computer can only ping:
192.168.0.11 – It’s own address
127.0.0.1 – the other address you gave me
(it times out when I try to ping the XP)

When I double-click on Network Neighborhood in Windows 95, the
computer just shows the “Entire Network” icon, and I am still
receiving the error message I posted previously.

Now…. TCP/IP Settings:

Windows XP:
WINDOWS IP CONFIGURATION
Host Name: your-1x3d5ig0ig
Primary Dns Suffix:  [blank]
Node Type: Hybrid
IP Routing Enabled: No
WINS Proxy Enabled: No
ETHERNET ADAPTER LOCAL AREA CONNECTION
Connection-specific DNS Suffix:  [blank]
Description: ADMtek AN983 10/100 PCI Adapter
Physical Address:  00-40-2B-21-A2-E3
Dhcp Enabled: No
IP address: 192.168.0.10
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: [blank]
PPP ADAPTER AACCESS4LESS
The information under here has to do with my internet provider.. it
does provide another IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and DNS
Server information… the IP address is different from the one above… If
you would like me to post that inf. Here, I will.. but I wasn’t sure
it was necessary.

For the Windows 95 Computer, the information is as follows:
Realtek RTL8029(AS) Ethernet Adapter.
Host Name: PAVILION
Node Type: Hybrid
Adapter Address:  00-E0-29-7D-AA-57
IP Address: 192.168.0.11
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: [blank]

I was not aware that XP could ping the 95 machine. From you previous
comments, it was my understanding that neither computer could ping the
other.

ZoneAlarm on the XP machine is most likely preventing the 95 machine
from pinging it. It can blocks the ICMP protocol (used to ping) and
might do so by default. Until you get the network situated, please
DISABLE ZoneAlarm completely.

Have you actually SHARED any resources on the Windows 95 computer? For
example, have you created a folder on the hard drive and actually
shared it so that the XP machine could connect and have something to
see?

On the Windows 95 machine, in the Network setup, do you have "Client
for Microsoft Networks" as the default login selection? (I believe
this is a dropdown on the first properties screen for network
neighborhood) The other selection is something like "Windows Default".
Make sure the selection is "Client for Microsoft Networks".

Try this and let's see if you can start pinging the XP machine from
Windows 95. My only other concern is that the light on port #3 is
"steady". Usually they are blinking with activity, somewhat in sync
with the other port on the HUB. A steady light could indicate a
problem with the network card and or cable, but if you're truly
pinging the 95 machine from XP, then it may be fine.

Once you are pinging, if you're still unable to see each other in
network neighborhood, you can try connecting to other computer through
the network share that is setup using a command line.

You can type this from a command prompt on either computer:
NET USE L: \\COMPUTERNAME\SHARENAME

This will make drive "L:" or whatever drive you use display the
contents of the share you put in when you look in "My Computer" or
Windows Explorer. Just replace "Computername" with the name of the
opposite PC and sharename with the name of the share you defined (an
example on the XP side from your previous comment would be "Shared
Docs"). I would recommend using share names that don't contain spaces
however as you might have problems connecting to them from the dos
command.

Good luck and I'll wait to hear back. Regarding the comments made by
popsracer, he's right that everything is running at 10MB except for
your XP machine which is 10/100MB. It *SHOULD* auto-scale down to 10MB
by itself, so I wouldn't think this would be a problem at this stage.
You might can look at the config for the driver however and hard set
it to 10MB if you wanted.

-PWizard

Now that I have turned off Zone Alarm, they can now ping each
other!!!!  Also!!!  More good news – 95 can now see the XP in Network
Neighborhood.   But… Bad news… XP can’t see the 95.

I tried to share a folder that was on the desktop, but when I
right-click on the folder, the option for “Sharing” isn’t there.  I
also went to My Computer and right-clicked on my C: Drive and there
isn’t an option for Sharing or Mapping.

Any suggestion?

We are almost there!!!

CLARIFICATION:

This following comment should have stated that I tried to do this on
the 95 computer.

I tried to share a folder that was on the desktop, but when I
right-click on the folder, the option for “Sharing” isn’t there.  I
also went to My Computer and right-clicked on my C: Drive and there
isn’t an option for Sharing or Mapping.

I checked the Networking properties on the 95 computer and it seems
that the 2 boxes for allowing file and print sharing were not
checked... I checked them and have to reboot...  I'm rebooting it as I
type... we'll see what happens.

That did it!! It's great!! Perfect!!  Please post anything as an
answer and I will post your tip and Rate your answer.

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!
 Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Dear gooooogle,

Thank you so much for the kind rating and tip. It was a pleasure
helping you. I'm glad I was able to help out.

Sincerely,
PWizard