Troubleshooting

It simply means that 2 or more of the computers/devices on your network have the same IP address - every device must have a unique IP address.

I am connecting from PC to PC using a cable and no hub but I can't see the other computer on the network...

You should be using a UTP cross-over cable, not a UTP patch cable. In a crossover cable, the wires in each of the RJ45 (telephone like) plugs will be in a different order.

How do I check my network connection?

If you are using a PC, the easiest way to do this is to go to an MS DOS command prompt. This can be accessed in one of the following ways (depending on your version of Windows):

• Start | Programs | Command Prompt
• <Windows Key> + <R> | command <enter>
• Start | Programs | Accessories | Command Prompt
• <Windows Key> + <R> | cmd <enter>

You will then see a black screen with a 'C:\>' prompt.

Then type:

ipconfig

This will display your TCP/IP configuration including your IP address:

Then type:

ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

where x = your IP address

You should receive 4 replies - if not you have a problem!

I can't see the other computers on the LAN

• Have you tested your PC?
• Are you using patch cables to and from the hub and the PCs? (in a patch cable, the wires in each of the RJ45 (telephone like) plugs will be in the same order)
• Are the cables okay?
• Is the hub(s) okay?
• Can you see green lights on all of the network cards and hub?
• Can you ping the other PCs? - To do this see the 'How do I check my network connection?' and replace your IP address with the IP address of the computer that you are trying to see
• Is the name of the workgroup the same on each PC? (it should be)

I can see the other computer on the LAN, but I can't see the files on the other computer

• Have you shared the drives/directories/files on the other PC?
• If you are using Windows NT/2000 have you got permission to view the shares?
• If you are running Windows 9x/Me and the other PC is running NT/2000, the NT/2000 PC must enable its guest account