Multiple PCs & Cable Modem

baf703 · 10-30-2004, 07:17 AM

My family has three computers, a Windows 98, a Windows ME and an XP. We have a cable modem which I've connected all three computers to using a linksys hub and cat5 wires. Until a few days ago the Win98 and ME machines were able to connect to the internet but the XP couldn't. I shut down all three computers, the hub and the modem and restarted them. Now only the XP machine has internet access. When I run winipcfg I am unable to release and renew the ip address on the 98 and ME machines. I know very little about networking, ip addresses, etc. Can you help me get all three computers on the internet? Thanks!

Javora · 10-30-2004, 07:33 AM

Make sure the Win98/WinMe systems are set to obtain an IP address automatically. Go to: Start | Settings | Control Panel | Double click the Network icon. Click the Configuration tab then highlight the TCP/IP in the list and click Properties. Then Click the IP Address tab and select "Obtain an IP address automatically" if it is not already checked. Then click the Gateway tab and highlight and remove any IP Gateway addresses that are listed. Click OK twice to close the Network dialog box. Then restart the network and each system. Hope this helps.

johnwill · 10-30-2004, 07:48 AM

Your cable company finally caught up with you and is enforcing your single public IP contract. A broadband router is the solution to connecting multiple computers and sharing the Internet connection.

Volt-Schwibe · 10-30-2004, 07:50 AM

that happened to me once, they sent me a letter asking if i wanted to keep the extra ip's and pay extra for them, or just wait, and they would shut them off and leave me with the one.

funny thing is, they had already shut it down to one ip before i even got the letter.

baf703 · 10-30-2004, 07:55 AM

Actually, my ISP allows up to four computers to be connected.

http://www.blueridgecommunication.com/cab_mod_faq.shtml

"Q: Will I be able to split the Cable Modem connection between two computers (w/additional hardware)?

A: Our professional installers will connect one computer to the cable modem. However, customers are allowed to connect up to 4 additional computers to the modem. Additional equipment is required and is available at your local computer store. We are not able to troubleshoot home network problems."

The Win98 machine is now connected but the ME still isn't.

baf703 · 10-30-2004, 08:24 AM

Now the XP and ME aren't connecting and have the same problem stated above. This is driving me nuts.

johnwill · 10-30-2004, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baf703

"Q: Will I be able to split the Cable Modem connection between two computers (w/additional hardware)?

A: Our professional installers will connect one computer to the cable modem. However, customers are allowed to connect up to 4 additional computers to the modem. Additional equipment is required and is available at your local computer store. We are not able to troubleshoot home network problems."

The "additional equipment" they refer to is a broadband router!

10-30-2004, 07:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
baf703 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 3 OS: Windows 98, ME, XP	Multiple PCs & Cable Modem My family has three computers, a Windows 98, a Windows ME and an XP. We have a cable modem which I've connected all three computers to using a linksys hub and cat5 wires. Until a few days ago the Win98 and ME machines were able to connect to the internet but the XP couldn't. I shut down all three computers, the hub and the modem and restarted them. Now only the XP machine has internet access. When I run winipcfg I am unable to release and renew the ip address on the 98 and ME machines. I know very little about networking, ip addresses, etc. Can you help me get all three computers on the internet? Thanks!

10-30-2004, 07:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 29,735 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Your cable company finally caught up with you and is enforcing your single public IP contract. A broadband router is the solution to connecting multiple computers and sharing the Internet connection. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

10-30-2004, 07:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,211 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	that happened to me once, they sent me a letter asking if i wanted to keep the extra ip's and pay extra for them, or just wait, and they would shut them off and leave me with the one. funny thing is, they had already shut it down to one ip before i even got the letter. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? New Members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. Power Tip: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

10-30-2004, 07:33 AM	#2 (permalink)
Javora Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 182 OS: Win2000/XP	Make sure the Win98/WinMe systems are set to obtain an IP address automatically. Go to: Start \| Settings \| Control Panel \| Double click the Network icon. Click the Configuration tab then highlight the TCP/IP in the list and click Properties. Then Click the IP Address tab and select "Obtain an IP address automatically" if it is not already checked. Then click the Gateway tab and highlight and remove any IP Gateway addresses that are listed. Click OK twice to close the Network dialog box. Then restart the network and each system. Hope this helps.

10-30-2004, 07:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
baf703 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 3 OS: Windows 98, ME, XP	Actually, my ISP allows up to four computers to be connected. http://www.blueridgecommunication.com/cab_mod_faq.shtml "Q: Will I be able to split the Cable Modem connection between two computers (w/additional hardware)? A: Our professional installers will connect one computer to the cable modem. However, customers are allowed to connect up to 4 additional computers to the modem. Additional equipment is required and is available at your local computer store. We are not able to troubleshoot home network problems." The Win98 machine is now connected but the ME still isn't.

10-30-2004, 08:24 AM	#6 (permalink)
baf703 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 3 OS: Windows 98, ME, XP	Now the XP and ME aren't connecting and have the same problem stated above. This is driving me nuts.