I hope I didn't come to the wrong place to ask this question, but I was just wondering whether I could create a local-area network connection with another computer in my house via the existing network hardware.My (or should I say, our) setup looks like this. Me and my dad both have a computer, both of which are connected to a switch/router device for DSL access. However, unless I misinterpreted my router's manuals completely, it should be possible to run a local connection between my and my dad's computer via the very same cables and router currently used only for DSL - or shouldn't it?It's been a while since I last worked with local-area networks, so I'd be very thankful for any kind of advice you might give me on how to do it - provided I can actually do this using the existing hardware only.Cheers,

If your computer are set up as follows, you already have them connected:Cable/DSL Modem --> Router/Switch/Multiport Outputs (wire and/or wireless) --> Multiple Computers.If you cannot now communicate with each others computer, you probably are not using the same WORKGROUP.For Win98/ME, right click the desktop Network Neighborhood Icon, select properties and the Network menu should appear. Below are the options on one of my Win98SE computers:Configuration Tab:The following network components are installed:Client for Microsoft NetworksMicrosoft Family LogonDial-Up AdapterNETGEAR ... Fast Ethernet PCI AdapterIPX/SPX-compatible Protocol - multiple entries for modem and NICNetBEUI - multiple entries for modem and NICNETBIOS support for IPX/SPX-compatible ProtocolTCP/IP - multiple entries for modem and NICFile and printer sharing for Microsoft NetworksPrimary Network Logon: Microsoft Family LogonIdentification Tab:Computer Name: Unique name for each computer, i.e., DAD1, SON1Workgroup: WORKGROUP - you can use anything here but all computers must use same workgroup name. This may be the only thing you need to change.Computer Description: Whatever you want to insert hereAccess Control Tab:Share-level access control is checked (default setting)For WinXP (If WinXP Pro - must be in an administrator account):Press start, control panel, system, Computer Name tab. Review the workgroup on each computer. If they are different, decide which one you want to use, then change one to match the other. Again make sure each computer has a unique name. To change the workgroup or name, press the "Change..." button.Lastly, I prefer to use IPX/SPX on the internal LAN vice TCP/IP.If you want to add IPX/SPX for Win98/ME, do so in the Configuration Tab page, using the ADD button, select protocol, Microsoft, and select IPX/SPX. You will need to add NetBEUI and enable NETBIOS on one of the IPX/SPX protocols. Make sure you disable printer and file sharing bindings from your TCP/IP protocols if you use IPX/SPX. You may need your Win98/ME CD to install the softwareFor adding IPX/SPX to WinXP, select start, control panel, Network Connections, right-click Local Area Connection, select properties. Press the install button, protocol, NWLink IPX/SPX..., follow the instructions and it should load everything you need especially NWLink NetBIOS. It shouldn't required any other settings. You may need your WinXP CD to install the software.W. Sieffert

Thank you very much, it's working now :D . As I said, I used to be more knowledgeable about local networks in the past, but in this case I just could not find out what to do by myself.

If your computers have 10/100mbps Ethernet cards you could take some CAT5 cabling and make a crossover cable, thus connecting the two computers directly. But it sounds like everything runs fine now so this is an alternative you can use.

Some of the best advice I've ever seen in these pages. Way to go...