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    Connecting Two Laptops Using A Cross Cable

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by rwnfrnnd, Jan 18, 2009.

  1. rwnfrnnd

    rwnfrnnd Newbie

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    I want to know how to connect two laptops using a cross cable and share files between them.

    At the moment I have connected the two machines but don't know whether their physical connection is OK because in both machines it indicate 'A Network Cable is Unplugged' massage in system tray. Can software related settings make a difference to this problem.

    Laptop 1 - Toshiba Dynabook Satellite 1850
    Laptop 2 - HP Compaq mx9040

    Both have Win XP Pro.

    If you can please give me the step by step process.

    Thanks!
     
    rwnfrnnd, Jan 18, 2009
    #1
  2. booboo12

    booboo12 Notebook Prophet

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    booboo12, Jan 18, 2009
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  3. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    You need a straight through cable for computer to computer ethernet

    Crossover cables are used for computer to router/switch/hubs
     
    flipfire, Jan 18, 2009
    #3
  4. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    Nope, that's backwards. Standard ethernet cable for computer to router, crossover for computer to computer (or switch to switch). However, most modern hardware auto senses, so either cable may work depending on the systems involved.
     
    kegobeer, Jan 18, 2009
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  5. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Oh yes silly me.., very late over here.

    Must be a faulty cable then or a dead NIC
     
    flipfire, Jan 18, 2009
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  6. focusfre4k

    focusfre4k Notebook Evangelist

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    rule of thumb...similar devices use crossover cables. unlike devices use straight.

    that is because pins 1 and 3 send and on the other end you cant have the same thing(pins 1 and 3) thats why you cross over a pair and then you dont have that problem.

    -sorry just got your last post!
     
    focusfre4k, Jan 18, 2009
    #6
  7. rwnfrnnd

    rwnfrnnd Newbie

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    Thanks all for replying.

    So it seems that I have a hardware related problem. How to determine the problem is in NICs or cable. Is there any other reason to the massage 'A network cable is unplugged'.
     
    rwnfrnnd, Jan 19, 2009
    #7
  8. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Try a different cable first or try the current cable on a different set of computers.
     
    flipfire, Jan 19, 2009
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  9. focusfre4k

    focusfre4k Notebook Evangelist

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    even if your getting a link light on both NIC's on both ends there could still be a cable problem.

    like the person above me mentioned. try another cable.
     
    focusfre4k, Jan 19, 2009
    #9