How to Connect Two Computers With XP & 98 Together

Connecting Windows 98 and Windows XP Computers is a breeze

Connecting a Windows XP computer with a Windows 98 computer is a task that is not too difficult to perform. These operating systems were built with networking in mind, and as long as you have the right components and equipment then connecting the two computers together will be easy to complete. Furthermore, it is possible to connect the two computers directly to one another without the need for special network equipment like routers, switches or hubs.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet crossover cable

Instructions

1. Connect the Ethernet crossover cable. Connect the RJ-45 Ethernet connectors into the network interface card on the Windows XP computer and the Windows 98 computer. They will snap into place, and make a clicking noise when they have a good connection into the network interface card.

2. Open control panel on Windows 98 computer. This is accessed from the start menu.

3. Open the network properties applet inside the control panel by double-clicking on the icon. All the applets are in alphabetical order, which makes it easier locating the applet in the control panel.

4. Open TCP/IP settings inside the network properties applet. This is done by clicking on the TCP/IP listing, and then clicking on the properties button below.

5. Edit the TCP/IP settings. Change the IP address to an address in the private IP addressing range. Typically this is anything in the range of 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.254. You will mainly be concerned with the number in the fourth octet.

6. Make note of the IP address you chose on a piece of paper. You will need this number when you configure the XP computer to prevent duplicate IP addresses.

7. Save TCP/IP settings. Click on the apply button at the bottom followed by the OK button.

8. Restart the computer. You will be giving a warning message that you have to restart the computer to save the settings. Give the computer permission to restart, and once it boots back up the settings will be saves.

9. Open the control panel on the Windows XP computer. This is accessed from the start menu.

10. Open the network properties applet by double-clicking on the icon.

11. Open the TCP/IP version 4 settings within the network properties. Highlight the TCP/IP version 4 entry and then click on the properties button.

12. Edit the TCP/IP settings. Enter an IP address between 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.254 that is different from the IP address chosen earlier.

13. Save the TCP/IP settings by clicking on apply. When the window closes, click on the "OK" button and the settings will be saved without restarting.

14. Open a command prompt from the start menu in Windows XP. You will be presented with a black window where you can enter text.

15. Ping the Windows 98 computer. In the command prompt type, "ping IP ADDRESS OF WINDOWS 98 COMPUTER". If you receive a response four times then you have successfully connected the Windows 98 computer to the Windows XP computer.

Tips & Warnings

• The crossover cable should be labeled accordingly. If you try to use a standard Ethernet cable, the connection will not work. A standard Ethernet cable can only be used if both computers are connected to a hub, switch or router.

References

• "How to do everything with Windows XP home networking"; Dave Field; 2004
• "How to do everything with Windows XP"; Curt Simmons; 2005
• "Windows XP Pro: the missing manual‎"; David Pogue; 2005