Networking Win98 and WinXP, any problems with this? (W98)

[robblaw]

Ok, I am connecting a WinXP laptop and a Win98 Desktop. Is there any problems because of NTFS and FAT32? Which one should I make the client and which one the server? Can you still share on Win98 with XP if the win98 machine is the server? I just need some clarification on things so any help is much appreciated. Also, what about when I disconnect the network cable, any problems when I turn the server machine on and no client is there? What about NIC card types does it matter?

RL

[BertImmenschuh]

I have a peer-to-peer network on a 10/100 5-port hub with WinXP and others. The WinXP Pro wants to be the top dog and have the modem/phone line. Then it sets up the network and Internet Connection Sharing. I have 2 Win98SE desktops on it and at various times will have a notebook or 2 on it, 1 notebook dual-booting Win98SE and WinXP HE and the other dual-booting Win98SE and Win2000. No unusual problems, did notice the WinXP Pro wanted a name/label for each hard drive on itself.

[BertImmenschuh]

Here's a useful link on networking:
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.linksys.com/faqs/default.asp?fqid=15>http://www.linksys.com/faqs/default.asp?fqid=15</a>.

I found it easier to get the network going before trying the ICS.

WinXP HE works fine on a peer-to-peer but not so good on a server- or domain-based network. Your 'server' machine should have not problem.

NTFS and FAT32 is not an issue because they apply only to the local machine. Files transferred do not change.

NIC cards don't matter if they are working correctly, I just happened to get a LinkSys kit to start. Without a hub, you'll have to be sure to use a cross-over cable NIC-to-NIC. With a hub, straight-through cables are used. 100Mbps [Mega bits per second] require CAT-5 cables.

[bdragon]

The only thing you need to watch is protocols.

A protocol is a "language" that the network speaks in. TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and NetBUI are all protocols.

As with human language, machines trying to communicate must speak the protocol. I machine that only speaks IPX/SPX cannot talk to a machine that only speaks TCP/IP.

If you are on a pure Windows net, you can probablly get away with just TCP/IP. You might need NetBUI for older machines (Win3.x).