Member Avatar for ryushinyama

I have a set up as such:

98SE into Linksys Switch into XPP.

Static IPs:
98SE
XPP
Subnet Mask:
Gateway

The XPP will ping the but the 98SE will not ping 192.168.1.2.

I don't know if I even need the gateway since I have a switch and not a router???

I have tried all that I can think of and can't see the work group from either computer.

Need to map a drive from the xpp to the 98se machine so that the 98SE machine can share a program from the XPP machine. Help? Thanks!!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by TheNNS

Dani AI

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In the situation reported by , two-way sharing between Windows 98SE and Windows XP commonly fails for a few predictable reasons. was right to flag the XP firewall as the usual culprit, and is also correct that running 98SE increases long‑term compatibility and security pain — but a short checklist usually gets a working share quickly.

  • On XP: open the adapter properties and confirm that Client for Microsoft Networks, File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and TCP/IP are bound to the NIC. In the Windows firewall (or any third‑party firewall) enable the File and Printer Sharing exception and, for simple testing, allow ICMP echo (ping). Temporarily disable third‑party firewalls to isolate the problem.
  • On 98SE: confirm TCP/IP and the Microsoft network client and file‑sharing components are installed and bound (use winipcfg or the Network control panel). Make sure both machines are set to the same workgroup name.
  • Test without name resolution: from 98SE try accessing the XP share by UNC, for example \\<XP_IP>\ShareName (replace <XP_IP> with the XP address). If authentication fails, either enable Guest/simple sharing on XP or create a local account on XP that matches the credentials from 98SE. On XP Pro, check the LAN Manager authentication level in Local Security Policy if older LM/NTLM responses must be allowed.

A gateway/router is not required for two hosts on the same switch to communicate. If the checklist fails, verify link lights/cables, try another switch port or cable, and use an alternate transfer (USB/FTP) while planning an OS upgrade for better long‑term reliability.

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Member Avatar for Member #33065

Check the firewall settings of the XP machine. There is a good chance that it's blocking it.

Andy

Member Avatar for TheNNS

Why in the heck are you still using 98!!!??? It's not supported by MS anymore, sucks, is insecure, has little networking features, is not compatiable with anything....

The list goes on and on.

My suggestion: get rid of 98.

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