networking question

PC 1 WIN98
PC 2 WIN98
PC 3 WIN98SE
PC 4 WIN XP HOME

The network is a Microsoft Workgroup Network thru a simple 8 port HUB.
The uplink port of the HUB is connected to a cable modem,
for internet service.

All PC’s can see the internet.

PC ‘s 1, 2, and 3 can all see each other.
PC 4 can only see PC 1.
PC 1 can see PC 4.
PC 2 and 3 cannot see PC 4.
PC 4 cannot see PC 2 and 3.

When PC 4 was installed the network software disk created from
XP was installed on PC’s 1, 2 and 3.

HOW CAN I GET ALL PC’S TO SEE EACH OTHER?

In article <FA859DA8-C193-4BCA-AE4A-(E-Mail Removed)>,
"help" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>PC 1 WIN98
>PC 2 WIN98
>PC 3 WIN98SE
>PC 4 WIN XP HOME
>
>The network is a Microsoft Workgroup Network thru a simple 8 port HUB.
>The uplink port of the HUB is connected to a cable modem,
>for internet service.
>
>All PC’s can see the internet.
>
>PC ‘s 1, 2, and 3 can all see each other.
>PC 4 can only see PC 1.
>PC 1 can see PC 4.
>PC 2 and 3 cannot see PC 4.
>PC 4 cannot see PC 2 and 3.
>
>When PC 4 was installed the network software disk created from
> XP was installed on PC’s 1, 2 and 3.
>
>HOW CAN I GET ALL PC’S TO SEE EACH OTHER?

This answer applies to computers that connect to a cable modem or DSL
modem through a hub or switch. It doesn't apply if they connect
through a broadband router.

Your network setup is described in the Windows XP Help and Support
program. Click Start | Help and Support, search for the topic
"Network configurations overview", and look at the section labeled
"Individual Internet connections".

The solution given there is to install the IPX/SPX protocol for file
sharing on all computers and to disable file sharing via TCP/IP on all
computers. I've written a web page showing how to do it:

Windows XP Network Protocols
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/..._protocols.htm

There are two reasons to use IPX/SPX instead of TCP/IP for file
sharing with this broadband via hub or switch setup:

1. If your cable or DSL provider assigns IP addresses in different
subnets to your computers, it isn't possible for them to communicate
with each other using TCP/IP.

2. Since your computers connect directly to the Internet through the
cable or DSL modem, they receive public IP addresses that are
accessible by everyone on the Internet. Using TCP/IP for file sharing
could let other people access your shared files.

A completely different alternative would be to replace the hub or
switch with a broadband router, connect the cable modem to its WAN
port, and connect the computers to its LAN ports. In that case:

1. You'd only need to get one IP address from your cable modem
provider, which would save you money if your ISP charges a monthly fee
for more than one IP address.

2. The broadband router would assign private IP addresses to your
computers. Private IP addresses aren't accessible by other Internet
users, so your network would be safe.

3. You could use TCP/IP as the only network protocol, with no need for
IPX/SPX.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional - Windows Networking
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Steve Winograd's Networking FAQ
http://www.bcmaven.com/networking/faq.htm