Thinkpads Forum

I have two Thinkpad 600E computers. One has Windows XP and the other has Windows 98

Two questions: I was trying to shift some files from my prior Thinkpad computer using the Cable Direct Connection capability. Even though the old system is running Windows 98, I was able to make the direct connection easily enough, but then I couldn't "see" the host computer. Usually it shows up as a shared resource using Windows Explorer, but I just couldn't seem to see the host.

Someone advised that I must set up the IP addresses manually or install IPS/SPX protocol(slow) in order to see the other computer in the network neighborhood.

My network troubleshooter pinged the computer and showed an IP address of 192.168.55.2. Now I can't tell whether that was the Guest or the Host computer? I saw where you can manually assign an IP address, under the TCP/IP Protocol. But which IP address goes where? Do I need to assign an IP address to both computers. Or only one? And if both, is the Host 192.168.55.2 and the Guest 192.168.55.1?

Probably just a smidgen more help and I can take it the rest of the way myself.

Also, on my dial-up modem on my Windows XP, I managed to configure the connections I need without trouble, but when I launch my browser, the connection will not dial automatically and must be connected manually. Is there a configuration issue that is changed under Windows XP that I'm not familiar with?

Windows 98 shares the whole drive whereas Windows NT machines share by folder and authentication. Windows 98 knows nothing about Windows NT based file shares.

It can be done. Windows 98 needs the same user name and password as the Windows NT machine (at least that helps and that is how I manage it). Also share the drive in Windows 98 giving it the same password as the Windows NT machine.

Then connect from the NT-based machine to the 9X machine. That generally works best because you gave the 9X machine the same user id's and passwords and the NT-based machine can share using its authentication process. Sometimes you need to access the 9X machine by IP if the DNS processes don't work.

So after all the steps have been set up, you can type (in a DOS box):

NET USE Z: \\192.168.x.y\C /user:username password

In the above 9X means any 95, 98 or ME machine, and NT means any NT4, 2000, or XP machine.
... JDH

Here's a little tip that might work. If the files are not to big, and if W98 supports it (Not sure) you could transfer files over IR. Put the laptops in a position that makes their right sides face each other. Hopefully either one of them will announce that there's another computer nearby.