I am trying to network my laptop to my desktop using a crossover cable connecting through the ethernet ports. After I run the setup wizards on the computers the icon in my system tray gives a message "Limited or no connectivity". My desktop shows it's own icon and the icon of the laptop under "View workgroup computers" but when I double click the laptop icon I get a message "Network path was not found". My laptop does not even show the desktop icon.

Hi there and welcome to the forum,

Firstly, can you check to see that the IP address for both of the machines fall within the same range. i.e: 192.168.0.1 (PC1) and 192.168.0.2 (PC2) - if you need further explanation, just ask away

What we do at Uni when we need to share files quickly is to bring up a windows explorer window and in the Address bar type \\(name of other laptop) and it will bring up all shared folders. You can find your PC name in My Computer Properties, Dunno if that will help you at all

Hi Blorite welcome to our forum

As per Hengis' comment you need to have IP addresses in the same range. The problem here is that it's likely you have DHCP enabled.

To find out your IP address and to also see if DHCP is enabled...
Click - Start>Run Type cmd (without quotes)>OK
Then in the DOS box type:
ipconfig /all
If you have a 169.254.xxx.xxx address this will likely mean that you won't have a connection as it's a MS default address. Look at the information and see if you have DHCP enable.

If it is then to change this go into the Network Settings
Right mouse click on My Network Places in My Computer and click on Properties.

In Network Connections right click on Local Area Connection and choose Properties. Scroll down to Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) select it and click on the Properties button.

Specify an address for each PC; one as 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2 both with a Subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Once you have done this both PC's should be able to see eachother.
Test it by typing ping 192.168.0.2 from the PC (192.168.0.1).

Hope that helps you get this done. Let us know how you get on.

All the best, GromO0

Hi Blorite

Have you been able to get anywhere with this one? Only we like to keep our forum up to date and make sure the info is right.
Can you let us know by posting an update? If you have managed to resolve it we'd love to know.

Thanks
Gromit

(Above emailed to Blorite)