How to create network connection between two computers using Ethernet cable and XP Windows

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There is very easy way to create two computer network connection using XP. For this we need:

  • Two computers running XP with network cards
  • Network cable (max 100m length).

First of all run network configuration wizard on each computer. For this go to Start->Control Panel->Network connection area and click on Set up home or small office network.

Network conection

Click next and then follow these screens.

Network wizard 1
Click Next
Network wizard 2
Select check-box Ignore disconnected network hardware and Click next
Network connection 33
Select connection method. To connect two computers select second option This computer connects to the Internet through a residential gateway or through another computer on my network.
Network wizard 4
Type in computer description (It isn't necessary) and computer name then press next
Network wizard 5
Leave the workgroup name MSHOME or type in different workgroup name and click next
Network wizard 6
Set file sharing ON if you want to share files with other computers in network. Then click next
Network wizard 7
Click next
Network wizard 8
Select Just finish the wizard... and click next
Network wizard 9
Click Finish to complete wizard. If system asks to restart do it.
network wizard 10

Now you have to set IP addresses on computers. Go to Start->Control panel->Network connection and click right mouse button on Local area Connection icon. In popup menu click Properties.

IP configuration 1
In the table find Internet protocol (TPC/IP) select it then click Properties.
IP configuration 2
In the box click on Use the following IP address and set IP address and Subnet mask. Ip address by default can be 192.168.0.1 and Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0. Make sure that the fourth number section of IP address is different on each computer. For instance, first computer's IP: 192.168.0.1 second computer's 192.168.0.2.
Then click Ok
IP configuration 3
Now we can connect computers.

We need to connect computers with network cable. Connect network cable to LAN ports of network cards on both computers.

ethernet lan port

Restart both computers if needed. Now you made network between two computers.

Note! Usually you don't need to enter IP Addresses and you don't need to restart computers to make network connection. XP is capable to detect network connection automatically and assign IP addresses automatically. All you have to do is to connect network cable.

Re: How to create network connection between two computers using

That is one of the most elaborate guides I've seen so far. But I have a query.. There are two workgroups listed on my Network. One is named WORKGROUP and the other is named MSHOME. Can I access the files that are present on the other workgroup?

Re: How to create network connection between two computers using

Yes, you'll be abe to see both workgroup.

Re: How to create network connection between two computers using

yes, but you'll need to go to the 'view all workgroups' in my network places

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