Network address. How to assign one.?

How do i assign a network address to my laptop. Please be specific. Explain in detail. Me and my friends are trying to link up using system link cords. We are all connected to a small modem. I can't play because a message keeps popping up saying that my computer doesn't have a network address. Remember we are not playing over the internet, but through networking. Thanks for you time.

Network address. How to assign one.?
First, I am going to assume you have a router or a hub, and not a modem, as you can not link through a modem.








The hub will have four or more sockets that look like over sized phone jack.





Next, all of you must be in the same workgroup.





Go into control panel, system, and look on the Compute Name tab. In the middle of the tab it will list the Workgroup.





You all must have the same workgroup. Click on the change button and change the workgroup for any machine that is different. Keep in mind this will effect the machine when you take it back to it's home network. You may have to change back to the original workgroup, so write it down before you change.





Next you need to turn on sharing so the computers can share information. Go into the Properties menu on the LAN card. In control panel, open the Network Connection and right click on the local area network icon. Select properties. Make sure that "File and Prnt Sharing for Microsoft Networks" is there. IF it is not, you will have to run the Network setup wizard. Look at the options on the left side of hte Network Connections page and select the "Set up a Home or Small Office Network"


When you get the screen for selecting a connection method. Select OTHER.


On the next screen, select "this computer belongs to a network that does not have an internet connection."


On the next screens, give the computer a unique name if it does not default to one. and then enter the workgroup when asked - the names must be different on each machine, but the workgroup must be the same.





The wizard will then set up the network. When it finishes, there will be an option to make a disk to set up the other machines on the network. Follow the directions to make the disk, and then insert and run on each machine. It will set up all the computers to access your new network.