Member Avatar for Eko

I have 2 desktops ,with 3 network cards and Win XP.I want to connect them so i can share my files and internet connection,only that I'm getting "A network cable is unplugged".
I did everything : make crossover cables,run the network wizard , u name it ... but still i'm getting that annoying error every time .
I'm out of ideas,I really need you help

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Dani AI

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Nice troubleshooting by , and — and good that tracked the fault to the connector. The short additions below focus on repeatable checks and on finishing a reliable file/Internet share on Windows XP so others hitting the same error can avoid a second trip to the crimping tool.

  1. Quick hardware checks to run first
  • Look at the link/activity LEDs on each NIC and on the switch/router port. No LED usually means a physical layer fault.
  • Try a known-good, pre-made cable and a different port. If that fixes it, replace or re-crimp the suspect cable.
  • Use a cheap cable tester or a multimeter to check pair continuity and shorts. Verify pair order (T568B is the common standard).
  • If a direct PC-to-PC link is used, test each NIC by plugging it into a working router or switch to rule out a bad adapter.
  1. Windows and configuration checks
  • Open Device Manager to confirm the adapter is present and drivers are current. Use ipconfig /all to see which adapters have addresses.
  • If there is a link but no traffic, check duplex/speed settings and firewall rules. If there is no link, keep focusing on cabling and hardware.
  1. Sharing and Internet options on XP
  • A small NAT router is the simplest and safest solution: DHCP, NAT and no manual crossover wiring. If using XP Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), note the host will typically get 192.168.0.1 and run DHCP — avoid another DHCP server on that subnet. For a direct two-PC link without ICS, assign static IPs in the same /24 (for example 192.168.10.1 and 192.168.10.2) and enable file sharing and appropriate permissions.

Final tips: buy molded patch cables if you can, label NICs, disable unused adapters to avoid confusion, and keep a basic cable tester in the toolbox.

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Member Avatar for tialoc

Do yourself a favor and get a home router. Linksys, Belkin, DLink... You can hook all your computers to it and have the benefit of a NAT firewall to protect you from internet beasties.. also no crossover cables. This is assuming of course that you have Cable or DSL internet access.

Member Avatar for ameen_zaman

cross cable is enough main thing is u have to give ip and seems u r not connecting to that lan card which u configured.
or my be u have disabled that lan card.

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

or the cable is simply broken
or the crossover cable isn't made right

Member Avatar for Eko

It was the cable , a few wires weren't entirely in contact with the pins of the RJ-45 connector

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