This puzzle has me stumped!

[hychka]

I have three desktop computers and a laptop.

Desktop #1 (running on WIN2k PRO updated regularly with MS' latest patches) sits on the ground floor of our house and is hard wired (USB) to my Netgear router, which is hardwired to my Toshiba cable modem, which is wired to my broadband service.

The laptop (running on WINXP) has a Netgear PICMIA wireless adapter.

Desktop #1 and the laptop are capable of accessing the broadband service, but I have not made any progress in using the network for anything else. The laptop has no trouble logging on to the internet from anywhere in the house.

Desktop #2 is my business machine (running on WIN98SE updated regularly with MS' latest patches); it sits in my basement office almost directly below the wireless router. It also hosts my HP printer. I have installed a Linksys PCI 2.4 ghz 802.11b card in this machine. I have adjusted settings, run up and down stairs to unplugged router and cable, re-installed and pre-installed drivers and hardware and rebooted in various combinations for a total of six hours. To date for the briefest of moments I was logged on to Anandtech's "hotdeals" in real time, apparently on my own broadband. Other than that, it appears that once or twice I was connected to my neighbor's wireless network (but not to the internet) as the IP # displayed was nothing I've ever seen before.

Desktop #3 (running on WIN98SE updated regularly) is on the second floor in my second daughter's bedroom. I have purchased an identical Linksys PCI card for it, but haven't tried to install it yet.

My goals here are to: 1.) get all four computers able to use the broadband service; 2.) allow all computers to use the printer; 3.) allow Computers #1 &#2 to share business and e-mail files; and, 4.) accomplish this without hiring someone or tearing out what hair is left on my balding head.

Without writing down the settings these machines are currently using, you know what I know. (I'm writing to you from Desktop #1)

Can you help me out here?

PS >>>I have read the "basics" you all regularly refer newbies like me to. And, I understand that Linksys PCI wireless cards are "iffy." What I want to know is whether or not the system I am posed to setup is feasible and how do I best get it done.

 

[JackMDS]

From Wireless point of view it seems that you have distance problems.

Improve the location of your Netgear Wireless Router so it is hi above the other hardware, and free of obstructions.

Your Desktop #2 has a PCI Wireless Card, PCI is usually stuck behind the computer box; as a result the Antenna is masked by the surrounding resultant with "BAD" performance.

USB on the other hand is connected to the computer via 2-3' cable, thus allowing to put the Antenna module high above the computer for better reception/transmission.
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The of the issues has to do with sharing of files, and Printer on all computers.

When you do the initial settings you want to neutralize the effect of the Wireless. It will be very beneficial if you put temporarily all the computers in the same room with the Wireless Router.
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The content of the following links will provide you with most of the information necessary to do so.

For the propose of the initial setting, disable all software Firewall (including WinXP native
ICF); disable any active Virus scan or any other utility that might intercept Network Traffic.

Sharing for Win98

For Win98: AanadTech - FAQ. Networking and sharing between computers.

If you are not concern about internal security WinXP has a fast simple method of sharing, no user permissions and no passwords.

Windows XP Simple File Sharing

WinXP Pro has an additional more secure method:

Windows XP Professional File Sharing.

XP File Sharing Trouble

 

[hychka]

For no good reason I can see, other than a "cold boot," Desktop #2 is showing that it is connected to the IP# my router uses. However, I still can not connect to my broadband service with this desktop. So, I'll try the disconnect the net work, wait 5 minutes, disconnect the cable modem, reconnect the network, wait five minutes, reconnect the cable modem excercise and see if anything good happens.

I can't buy the "distance is the problem" argument as the system now shows it is connected and even so the computers aren't more than twenty feet from the router. The laptop is the furest away, mostly. Something else is going on here.

 

[hychka]

 

[hychka]

GOT IT!!!!

I went to the Linksys homepage and downloaded the latest drivers and worked them on and Desktop #2 is connected to the internet and I'm writing to you on that computer!!!

Now to get Desktop #3 on the 'net, etc., etc., etc.