Help a networking dummy

[Odarby]

I have three computers in my home and have never tried networking them together. I have recently added a hi-speed cable conection using a Linksys modem and router (wired) When I use the XP Network Setup Wizard I get the following warning {Warning} Could one of you networking pros lend a hand and fill me in on the best way to proceed with this. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

 

[martind1]

i ahve never used the networking wizard, so I have to ask.

what did you do? what setup was it? THe error message makes it seem like you are connection directly to the internet and not through the router(which is actually what it is suggesting).

 

[JackMDS]

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

Link to: Windows Network - Installing & Sharing.

:sun:

 

[gpgofast]

I have used the Network setup wizard and have never seen that warning. Looks like you are trying to connect to the internet without going through the router. Your wiring should go Cable>Modem>Router>Your PC(s)

 

[Odarby]

Originally posted by: gpgofast
I have used the Network setup wizard and have never seen that warning. Looks like you are trying to connect to the internet without going through the router. Your wiring should go Cable>Modem>Router>Your PC(s)

Yes that is how my wiring is hooked up. Using the Networking wizard which option should I select? The warning comes when I select "This computer connects to the internet directly or thru a network hub. Other computers on my network also connect to the internet directly or thru a hub." Is not the router considered a "hub"? Am I selecting the wrong option in the network wizard?
Thanks

 

[prosaic]

I think you're using the wrong option by choosing to use the networking wizard. That way lies madness. You should really check out the link suggested by JackMDS. Really. The problem with the networking wizard, and the reason you are seeing the warning, is that the wizard is proceeding on the assumtion that you should be using one Microsoft-OS-based computer (with two NICs in it) to connect to the Internet, and that you would then connect all other computers to that first computer and get to the Internet through Internet Connection Sharing. So the wizard is trying, among other things, to figure out whether or not to turn on the Internet Connection Firewall.

The manual method of doing the setup is better, and not difficult at all. If I'm not mistaken JackMDS has something to do with the information to be found at the link he provided. He won't mislead you. I haven't had a chance to look much at that site, but what I have seen there has been excellent.

 

[Roadraider]

NO HE IS NOT!

When you run the Network Wizard, it gives you 2 options + Others. If you select Others and click next, it gives you 3 more options. ANY of these options will give you that screen.

It only says that MS does not recommend this which is BS. I have setup my network using the same option and it works just fine. I do personally have installed the IPX protocol though and am using that (instead of TCP/IP) forfile & printer sharing. It is just a little bit safer.

Good luck.

 

[prosaic]

I'm familiar with the wizard, having examined it in disbelief a number of times. The problem with the wizard is that it is Microsoft-centric and makes assumptions and pronouncements about the network setup that just don't match the way a lot of people set up their home networks. Very few of the networking aficionados here or any other place think that using the wizard is a good idea. It's not like setting up a network with this OS is rocket science. Following a decent step-by-step carefully should get any ingenue connected quickly, with the added benefit of that ingenue actually learning a little something about the way his networking settings function.

 

[Odarby]

Thanks for all the advice folks. I will use the manual meathod. Just thought that the wizard would be a quick easy bing boom your done thing. Thanks jackmds for the link. Off to do a little reasearch.

 

[prosaic]

I hope you'll post back here with your results. We'll be routing for you. Well, okay, actually your router will be routing for you. We'll just be hoping that it works out for you!

prosaic