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Thread ID: 29401 2003-01-18 19:57:00 Can Win98 "see" Win XP via LAN ? Steve_L (763) Press F1
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115094 2003-01-18 19:57:00 The problem is this: My wife has a new laptop with WinXP and my desktop is Win98. Can they share data both ways via a LAN? I am not familiar with LAN set ups at all.

Two computer stores have told me two different things. One says that WinXP can "see" Win98 and thus can pull data from it, but not vice versa (Win98 cannot recognise WinXP so my desktop could not get data from the new laptop). But the second computer store says "no problem, it can be done".

So I surfed around and found a site that says something about NTFS. (Sorry cannot find the file now but I think it said that either 98 or XP must be in NTFS format, whatever that is. The gist of it was that 98 and XP can LAN together but only if the right formats are used.

While I am at it, are there any good web sites around that tell how to set up a LAN for two computers? I might try installing the LAN socket and card into my desktop if it is not too difficult; it will save the hassle of taking it to a computer store and the $40 service fee.

[BTW, I know that there is another post currently being discussed under the subject "Windows XP Networking" - but thought that this is more specific to my problem.]

Thanks. - Steve
Steve_L (763)
115095 2003-01-18 20:19:00 try practicillynetworked.com Ian F (3032)
115096 2003-01-18 20:20:00 Don't worry about NTFS, the network interface looks after all that.
Win 98 used FAT, XP can use either FAT32 or NTFS, but its not a factor in sharing data. All Win versions can share over a network.

XP may need to have the same log-on name as the user in 98 to allow access, but thats about the only limiting factor. Of course you have to set sharing on the folders etc, as well.

Have a look at FAQ #42, click on the FAQ at the top of this page. Its a good start.
godfather (25)
115097 2003-01-18 21:00:00 Re: FAQ #42........ Eeeeee! :8} I forgot to look at the FAQs! Thanks. There certainly is a lot of info there. Steve_L (763)
115098 2003-01-18 21:07:00 Ian - Spelling error: it should be
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/

I have gone to the site and found: "Troubleshooting Q&A - December 16, 2002 -- Sharing with 2000 and XP --
Wonder why you can see files on a Windows 98 system but not on Windows 2000 or XP? It's a shared resources issue. "
Steve_L (763)
115099 2003-01-19 04:01:00 > Can they share data both ways via a LAN?

You probably know the answer by now, but I can confirm that they most certainly can. I can't believe one computer store told you that it wasn't possible for Win 98 to "recognise" Win XP.

Just a tip: I discovered that when you want to copy files from one computer to another there are special ways to do it. I was told one easy way so if you find you are having trouble also, come back and ask for advice. :-)
Susan B (19)
115100 2003-01-19 05:21:00 Tell me more about this "special way" Susan ?:|

I share files seamlessly between W98 and W2K as if it was all one big computer. Am I doing something wrong.:D

Cheers

Billy 8-{) ]:)
Billy T (70)
115101 2003-01-19 05:24:00 > I share files seamlessly between W98 and W2K as if it
> was all one big computer. Am I doing something
> wrong.:D
>

No.. But what's your secret?!

An easy way to see if a computer is networked and sharing is to open My Computer and in the Address bar, type:
\\computername\sharename\

Works every time!
Chilling_Silence (9)
115102 2003-01-19 07:50:00 > I share files seamlessly between W98 and W2K as if it was all one big computer. Am I doing something wrong.

Obviously you aren't and I was Billy. ;-)

Since I was so new to the networking caper, try as I might I couldn't copy the actual files from the Win98 PC to the WinXP box until my Saviour came to the rescue and introduced me to mapping network drives. It was the quickest, easiest method for him to explain to me and it works a treat. :-)
Susan B (19)
115103 2003-01-19 08:49:00 Thanks Susan

Unfortunately my drives are not mapped, they are simply shared.

Now you have got me really interested!

Cheers

Billy 8-{) ?:|
Billy T (70)
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