Networking XP & 98

[data switch]

I'm trying to network a windows 98 computer and a windows xp together. They both go through a router. When I get on the 98, I can see the xp in my network neighborhood and can browse all of its shared files. But the xp can't see the 98. Any help?

I think in order to even see the 9X box, you need to enable it's "File and Print sharing". You don't need to actually share anything though, just enable it.

[John Prophet]

You have them both on the same workgroup?

Bacause w98 comes with default workgroup name of "workgroup" and XP comes with "MSHOME"...so one needs to be changed so that they match.

Also XP doesnt like spaces in the comp names..for instance if the 98 comp was named "joe's comp"..the space between "Joe's" and "comp" could be a problem.

On the xp box, under networking properties, tcp/ip properties, advanced tab...you should see a tab for "wins"...Im not sure if it should be set to "use netbios from router" or "enable netbios over tcp/ip"...but it needs to have one or the other of those checked off.

JP

[jmichna]

Originally posted by John Prophet
...On the xp box, under networking properties, tcp/ip properties, advanced tab...you should see a tab for "wins"...Im not sure if it should be set to "use netbios from router" or "enable netbios over tcp/ip"...but it needs to have one or the other of those checked off.... JP

You do not need Netbios at all to share your PCs. It can all be done with just TCP/IP. This is how I set up my home network (3 PCs, 2 - XP Pro, 1 - dual boot W98se/XP Pro)

Why add the Netbios overhead if you don't need it?

[jmichna]

This might help (excerpt from one of my early posts at Techimo):

Basically you need to establish a few things:
1. Each PC must have the same network protocol to use to communicate (either TCP/IP or NetBUI... you don't need both)
2. Each PC should require a login, to identify the user when you boot up or logon
3. The network settings must have "file and print" sharing enabled
4. The actual hard drives (or directories on the hard drives) must be "shared"
5. The printer must be "shared"

You can share your PCs' files and printer using either TCP/IP or NetBUI; at least one of these protocols needs to on both PCs. You can confirm this in Network settings.

Create the same user accounts (same names/passwords) on both pcs, go into your Network settings and make sure "File and Printer Sharing" is enabled on both. Also make sure logon using Microsoft Networks is enabled on both.

You also need to "share" the hard drives or directories you want to access on both pcs. From Windows Explorer, on both pcs, make sure you right click on the hard drives (or directories) that you want to share, and select "Share"... you can share at different levels (read, read&write), you can require a password, etc. You will also need to set your printer to "share."

[data switch]

Everything is like all that stuff. But the XP still can't see the 98.

[jmichna]

Originally posted by data switch
Everything is like all that stuff. But the XP still can't see the 98.

Have you shared your W98 drive(s)? Have you set each PC to use Microsoft Network Client to login when you first boot up (the user needs to be authenticated, otherwise the other PC doesn't "know" who wants to gain access).