Win98 and XP won't see each other.

Hi there. I'm having issues networking two computers together, one with win98 and the other with xp. I'm on a cable connection which runs to a switch. The two computers are also connected to the switch. The computer with xp connects to the internet just fine, but the 98 won't. Also, neither computer sees each other in the network. I've switched cables around, so I know that's not the problem. I also checked to make sure the light on the 98 nic is lit up. Anybody have any advice? Thanks.

 

You can Not connect two computers to a Switch and share a single Internet connection. Sharing single Internet Connection needs a Routing agent.

Read he pages below, they were written a while ago, so Ignore the prices and the Hardware recommendations, and stick to the principles. Similar hardware can be found on sale for less the $20

Link to: Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing.

Link to: Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

The whole thing should look like this: http://www.ezlan.net/network/router.jpg

Log to this page it has a lot of links to instructions to Windows Network Settings, and Sharing.

Link to: Windows Network - Installing & Sharing.

 

Ah, okay, thanks for the tip. But would that also be why the computers don't even see each other? As in, I can click on "Network Neighborhood" on the 98 comp, and it only shows the 98 comp. Likewise on the xp comp.

 

A switch should allow a simple network to be set up. If both computers are connected with WORKING cat5 cables it should be simple.
Place both machines in the same workgroup. This is done in the properties of my computer in XP (on the computer name tab, press the Network ID button), and on the identification tab of the network neighbourhood's properties in Windows 98. Then, find the folders that you'd like to share and right click them. Click (security and) sharing and check the box/radio button beside share this folder on the network. These folders should now appear in my network places AND Network Neighbourhood.

 

I've already checked the workgroup name, and I've already checked folders for sharing. My lights are green on the switch and on the nic of the 98 comp, so that should mean the cables are good, right?

Also, even if I didn't have folders shared, the other computers would at least show up in the network, right? These computers are not seeing each other at all.

Thanks for trying to help me with this, guys.

 

If you know the switch's IP, try to ping it from both computers. Then, try to ping each machine from the other machine.

 

It is not that simple to network xp and win98 computers.
I was just researching the same subject and came across this guide
http://www.pcurtis.com/network-xp.htm
Hope it helps