Networking 3 computers from one all running Windows XP

ok..i have 3 computers...i have the cable modem coming in to my computer throu an ethernet card. i have an build in ethernet port that im using to share internet to the 2nd computer. Now we both have internet and we both can swap files and printers. Now the 3rd computer...i have another ethernet card in my computer and when i run the cable from mine to the 3rd computer (laptop runing xp pro) it says network cable unpluged when both computers are on. i dont want to go with a router because i run an ftp and and apache server to test pages and stuff. and if i go throu a router the apache server wont be visable on the web. can anyone help me to config all three computers to work like this

 

you can configure the router to port forward port 21. You should not have a problem.

 

im not using a router..im using my maching with 3 ethernet ports as a router. i alreay have one computer networked and internet shared but now im having trouble connecting my laptop

 

Considering the cost of a switch or even better a router, you really should forget about connecting/sharing thru one PC w/3-NICs and instead purchase a router (or a switch/hub) and connect them all to the Internet and each other thru the Router. Easier, more flexible and safer...

 

Are you using a ethernet cross over cable to connect the pc to laptop? You should be using one to directly connect computers not a standard ethernet cable.

 

It seems that you are bound to waste a lot of energy to create a Cr**y semi functional network.

Get a Router, and open the ports, or put the Apache Thingie on the DMZ.

 

so what is the difference between a crossover cable and a regular one?

 

Cross over cable has the wires switched on the other end. It allows for direct connect from one NIC to another.. regular(pass through or patch cable) does not cross over. Used for connecting patch panels to hubs/switches/routers or from NIC's to hubs/switches/routers. The hub/switch/router crosses for you internally.