So I've recently decided I want to network my 2 existing computers together and share my Bellsouth FastAccess DSL account. This is the first time I've ever tried to network 2 computers so I would really appriciate any help anyone can offer on getting my network working.
Before purchasing the second, and newer, computer (the one I'm currently using) I had already set up my BEFSR41 Linksys Router to be able to connect to Xbox Live with my Xbox 360. Seeing as the network with the 360 worked fine, I assumed all I would have to do is install a NIC and it's drivers on my old computer (it never had one installed because I had a USB modem with dail-up on it until I purchased this computer, which came with a USB DSL modem as well but I knew I would eventually want to network the 2 together so I bought an EG1032 Linksys NIC shortly after I got the DSL modem from Bellsouth). I ordered a 75ft CAT-5 patch cable to run from my bedroom (where the older computer now resides) to the router in the family computer room and a Netgear GA311 NIC for the older computer as well.
Earlier today I got the time, so I decided I would go ahead and get the network set up so I could transfer some work files over to the computer in my bedroom. I installed the NIC on the old computer, the drivers installed fine, and all appeared to be going well until I connected it to my router and ran the Windows XP network setup wizard. On my router, the three LED indicators above Port 1 are all lit up (port one is the old computer in the bedroom) as well as those over Port 2 (the newer computer). The LED indicators on the backs of both of the NICs are green and appear to be working fine so I figured that would rule out it being a hardware (at least with the NICs) or a cable issue.
After running the Network Setup Wizards on both computers and restarting, I still cannot see either computer from the other on the workgroup window in the Control Panel, and the old computer in the bedroom that was previously not connected to the internet, still is unable to connect. When I started up XP after installing the drivers, the connection status in the toolbar said: "Limited or no connectivity". I hit Repair and it gets stuck on: "Renewing your IP Adress". If I disable the connection and re-enable it shows the connection as Connected but under status it is stuck on: "Acquiring network address".
Any help or ideas on what I'm doing wrong would be greatly appriciated.
Also I'm not sure if it will help but the specs on the two computers are:
(Newer Comp)
Dell Dimension 9100
Pentium 4 3.0 Ghz
1GB Ram
Running Windows XP Home Edition with SP2 Installed
Linksys EG1032 10/100/1000 Gigabit Network Adapter
Bellsouth FastAcess DSL service running through a Westell WireSpeed modem
(Older Comp)
Dell Dimension XPS B733r
733 MHz
256 MB RAM
Running Windows XP Home Edition with SP2 Installed
Netgear GA311 10/100/1000 Gigabit Network Adapter
Both computers are connected to a BEFSR41 Linksys Router using CAT-5 patch cables.
