Problem with network!! Please HELP!?

okay, i have been working on my network for at least 2 hours by now. I am using 2 winXP computers and 1 win98 computer. The 1 win98 computer i use as a server, and for printing. I finally got that computer to work on my network with 1 of my winXP computers. Now my 1 winXP computer is located in our living room, the other is located in my room along with the server computer. the computer in my living room is connected to my winXP computer in my room, and the server computer is also connected to my winXP computer in my room. Now, the network card that is connected to the server computer works fine, but the living rm computer which is all connected says that a network cable is unplugged when they are all plugged in. it says that on both computers. What should i do? I got all LAN ethernet lines (no wireless) someone know anything about this? and how can i fix it? the network bridge and everything works fine except the connection from my living rm computer....i been trying for long time..

Problem with network!! Please HELP!?
So if I am understanding correctly this is how you have evrything setup.





Broadband Modem to Win 98 Computer to XP Computer #1 to XP Computer #2.





You have bridged the connections in your Win98 and XP #1 computers.





You have installed ICS in the Win98 system.





You have good Internet connection on the Win98 and XP#1 computer but not on the XP #2 Computer.





I think thats about it........





You will also have to turn on ICS on the XP#1 computer.


Your life would be alot easier if you used a router.
Reply:I have to agree with annorax64. Install a router and a print server and simplfy you LAN.





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Reply:Ouch! You could really uncomplicate your life by just buying a 4 port router.





Trying to string all those computers together with Internet connection sharing is going to drive you mad.





The 4 port wired routers can be had for very little money now-a-days.





Seriously, you'll thank yourself in the long run.
Reply:sorry to ask the obvious, but are you sure the cable is ok? Also, shouldn't you be using a hub?
Reply:First check your topology it should be bus topology.


second you dont have a master server in this setup.they are all master and the same time clients(peer to peer)





what you are doing is you are doing a star topology setup where you will need a hub/switch or a router in the middle





is there a server version of win 98?





pc to pc connection uses crossover cables(check it)
Reply:You may need to splice the wires inside the cable if you are not using a router.... not sure.

dds