Where do I look on my windows 98se to see the network?

Cheechat · 02-25-2007, 11:58 AM

I am a complete noob. But everyone was at one time. It feels weird to keep writing the same thing in each thread I start but I realize that it's important to start a new thread for each issue.

I have an XP and a 98se connected to a Qwest broadband modem thru an ethernet switch. Both computers can access the internet, which is miraculous to me. I was able, at one point, to "see" the shared c: drive of the 98 computer with the XP but it wouldn't open it. I didn't "have permission." I was not able to see the XP with the 98se. I don't know how to look. I have un-shared everything and I want to start over.

I'm starting to think it's silly to work with a windows 98 computer, but all I want to do with it is access email/blog with it and it would be nice to open my XP Word files.

What's really confusing is that it was so super easy to enable both computers to access the internet by simply connecting both of them to the switch and connecting the switch to the modem. But share files between computers? It almost seems impossible. How can the first thing be so easy and the other so difficult?

Thank you for your kind and patient assistance.

johnwill · 02-25-2007, 03:53 PM

Turn off any firewalls for debugging. If the firewall is the problem, you'll have to configure it to allow access to "trusted zone" addresses. Note that some firewalls must be completely uninstalled to stop them from affecting your networking.

PING each computer by IP address, and if successful, PING by name. You can obtain the IP address of a computer by opening a command prompt (DOS window) and typing IPCONFIG. This should work for any Windows version. A failure here needs to be corrected before you go any farther.

All computers should be in the same workgroup for computer browsing to function properly. File & Print Sharing has to be enabled on any computer you wish to share files or printers from. You also need to actually share the resource in question from My Computer, right click on the drive/printer/folder, and select sharing.

If you encounter difficulties accessing computers that are visible in Network Neighborhood, make sure the computer being accessed has an account with the same name/password as the system connecting to it uses to login.

While the default NetBIOS setting is correct for normal network configurations, it's possible for it to be altered, and it costs nothing to make sure it's correct. NETBIOS over TCP/IP must be enabled for normal network browsing.

Cheechat · 02-25-2007, 05:29 PM

You give me too much credit. I don't know how to ping each computer. However, I do know that each computer has an IP address. I just don't know what to do with that information. You think I know more than I do. : ) I would love to enable "NETBIOS over TCP/IP" but the problem here is that I have no idea what you're telling me. Can you put up with my noobness?

johnwill · 02-26-2007, 06:26 PM

On a W98 machine: Start, Run, COMMAND

PING <remote computer name or IP>

On a 2K/XP machine: Start, Run, CMD

PING <remote computer name or IP>

02-25-2007, 11:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
Cheechat Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 106 OS: XP Home My System	Where do I look on my windows 98se to see the network? I am a complete noob. But everyone was at one time. It feels weird to keep writing the same thing in each thread I start but I realize that it's important to start a new thread for each issue. I have an XP and a 98se connected to a Qwest broadband modem thru an ethernet switch. Both computers can access the internet, which is miraculous to me. I was able, at one point, to "see" the shared c: drive of the 98 computer with the XP but it wouldn't open it. I didn't "have permission." I was not able to see the XP with the 98se. I don't know how to look. I have un-shared everything and I want to start over. I'm starting to think it's silly to work with a windows 98 computer, but all I want to do with it is access email/blog with it and it would be nice to open my XP Word files. What's really confusing is that it was so super easy to enable both computers to access the internet by simply connecting both of them to the switch and connecting the switch to the modem. But share files between computers? It almost seems impossible. How can the first thing be so easy and the other so difficult? Thank you for your kind and patient assistance.

02-25-2007, 03:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 32,581 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Turn off any firewalls for debugging. If the firewall is the problem, you'll have to configure it to allow access to "trusted zone" addresses. Note that some firewalls must be completely uninstalled to stop them from affecting your networking. PING each computer by IP address, and if successful, PING by name. You can obtain the IP address of a computer by opening a command prompt (DOS window) and typing IPCONFIG. This should work for any Windows version. A failure here needs to be corrected before you go any farther. All computers should be in the same workgroup for computer browsing to function properly. File & Print Sharing has to be enabled on any computer you wish to share files or printers from. You also need to actually share the resource in question from My Computer, right click on the drive/printer/folder, and select sharing. If you encounter difficulties accessing computers that are visible in Network Neighborhood, make sure the computer being accessed has an account with the same name/password as the system connecting to it uses to login. While the default NetBIOS setting is correct for normal network configurations, it's possible for it to be altered, and it costs nothing to make sure it's correct. NETBIOS over TCP/IP must be enabled for normal network browsing. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-26-2007, 06:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 32,581 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	On a W98 machine: Start, Run, COMMAND PING <remote computer name or IP> On a 2K/XP machine: Start, Run, CMD PING <remote computer name or IP> __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-25-2007, 05:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
Cheechat Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 106 OS: XP Home My System	You give me too much credit. I don't know how to ping each computer. However, I do know that each computer has an IP address. I just don't know what to do with that information. You think I know more than I do. : ) I would love to enable "NETBIOS over TCP/IP" but the problem here is that I have no idea what you're telling me. Can you put up with my noobness?