Setting Up Simplest Network Ever- I Can't Do It

[JohnnyHumongous]

Two computers, one with Windows 2000 Professional Edition, the other with Windows XP. Neither is connected to the internet. Both have a slot in the back where an ethernet cable can fit. I have ethernet cable. How can I network the two computers so they can communicate and transfer files?

Oh here's another twist- the computers both have Dutch versions of Windows installed so if it is at all possible, the more detailed the instructions the better because I don't understand Dutch too well...

[wh1t3bread]

Yikes. I didn't even know "Dutch" was a language (kidding).

What you will have to do is either get a switch/hub and two ethernet cables. Then network it so it looks like this:

comp1 ------ switch ------ comp2

Then set the IP addresses on the machines to let's say 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2, respectively. After that you can setup file/folder sharing and map a network drive.

If you don't have a hub/switch and don't want to buy one. Then you are going to need a CROSSOVER cable (you can buy one in any computer store). This will allow you to network the computers directly to each other using just one cable:

comp1 ---- crossover cable ---- comp2

You will still need to set the IP's on the machines in this configuration like above, which can be done in the control panel.

[CORed]

One thing to keep in mind. If you are connecting two computers together without using a hub, a standard ethernet cable won't work. You need a crossover cable.

[icepick]

Buy a hub, they're dirt cheap, and useful if you ever do want to hook these machines upto the internet.

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Then set the IP addresses on the machines to let's say 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2, respectively.

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However, don't use 192.168.0.1 for an IP address, it's commonly used as the gateway address. Any other number, but .1 is fine.

[MyMindIsGoing]

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However, don't use 192.168.0.1 for an IP address, it's commonly used as the gateway address. Any other number, but .1 is fine.

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"Neither is connected to the internet."

[wh1t3bread]

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However, don't use 192.168.0.1 for an IP address, it's commonly used as the gateway address. Any other number, but .1 is fine.

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"Neither is connected to the internet."

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Yep.

[JohnnyHumongous]

Awesome, thanks for all the help guys. I'm on my way.

[icepick]

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However, don't use 192.168.0.1 for an IP address, it's commonly used as the gateway address. Any other number, but .1 is fine.

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"Neither is connected to the internet."

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Silly me, thinking of the future, and planning ahead.