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connecting a laptop to desktop 1

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MattSLS

Technical User
Jan 16, 2005
1
US
Hello, I have a laptop and a desktop that I need to network but I am getting a message that says "a network cable is disconnected." I bought a cat5e rj45 ethernet cable and have it hooked up to the appropriate ports on both of the computers but it doesn't seem to want to use it. Wrong cable maybe? WinXP on both computers. Any advise is appreciated. Thank you.
 
You need a cross-over cable to connet two computers not the standard ethernet one. Usually comes in red but it can vary.

Loretta
 
MattSLS
As WhiteStar1 says in the absence of a switch or router, straight PC to PC (laptop) you need a crossover type cable.
It's exactly the same cable but is wired diferantly.
Or keep the straight cable and add a switch/router or similar.
This option will allow more PC's to be added and in most cases a router will give you a hardware firewall (extra internet security) and always on for the second user (if the main PC is turned off.
Martin

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