weird xp <-> Vista problem

My desktop PC has windows XP. and my laptop has Vista

Whenever i use cross cable to connect them, the Desktop PC automatically keeps restarting. And it keeps restarting till i remove the cable..

I dont know if i am doing anything wrong. I checked for viruses in both systems and there were none.

If anyone had a similar experience, please do help me.

 

Never heard of this but I do know that the default workgroup for networking is a different name in Xp vs Vista. Try changing that to be the same for both and see if that works.

 

Thanks Wingsbr!

yes it indeed was different. I kept both to 'MSHOME' .. but the stupid desktop PC keeps restarting. I've tried different cables too.

 

If its the same cable im thinking of its that quick data transfer cable and its for vista --> vista only I think it says.

 

Hi Vicious

I am not using the data cable that came with the laptop. I bought a cross cable separately for 120 Rs. (~ 3$) . The shop guy told me it will definitely work on XP. He wasnt sure about Vista. But I thought the cables are there just to do a job and they wont mind what OS it is.

 

You know you could buy a router and put them on the same network for hardly nothing. You can't get one without wireless for less than 50 easily and then they will be able to talk and be on the same network.

 

Thanks a lot Wingsbr..

thats a good option. Just thought that since I already spent a lot on the laptop, it would be good if i can accomplish with what I got. All I want to do is to transfer some files and play network games occasionally.

 

you can look into like a 5$ hub then. hubs are replaced with swiches in todays network but if your just doing a game or data transfer between two machines its fine. You can find a cheap swich too...

 

Thanks

i will try with a router / hub / switch - the one that is cheaper. when it stops restarting, i can confidently spend money on a good one.

 

If you can not get it to work with a crossover cable, you will have the same problems with a router.

Set a static IP on both computers in the same subnet. Make sure both are in the same group. You will get a message that you have limited connectivity. This is normal because it will not see the www. Turn on file and printer sharing on the XP pc. Re boot and wait till the HD stops doing it thing. The see if you can see your shared files using the Vista machine. If not see if you can ping it. If so see if you can search for a computer, use the IP address. Connecting via crossover cable you will not have a DNS, so you will need to use IP address.

If you decide to buy hardware, don't wast your money with a hub. Yes they work but a small switch has more benifits. You should be able to get a wired router for under $30.