rssunt.gif (12308 bytes)

Question:

How to connect a laptop computer to a networked computer?

Answer:

Windows 95 has a built-in feature called Direct Cable Connection that connects portable computer to another computer by using a serial or high-speed parallel laplink cable. The portable computer will then have access to shared resources on the main computer.

To set up Direct Cable Connection, click the Start button, point to Programs, and then point to Accessories.
If this component is not on your computer, install it by clicking Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel.  Select the Windows Setup tab and click on communication.  It needs the original Windows 95 CD for installation.   Once the DCC is available on both machines, one has to be set up as host and the other as guest.  The following is a checklist of conditions to be met before a connection can be established.

1. File and printing sharing is enabled on the host computer (inside Control Panel-Network)

2. Sharing options for folders and drives were set (right click the folder/drive and select sharing)

3. The right protocols are installed.  Namely, Microsoft NetBEUI and IPX/SPX-compatible protocols.  To check if they are installed, open Network in Control Panel and click on Protocol.  Add the right protocols on both sides if they are not installed yet.

4. Protocols used for DCC are bound to the Dial-Up Adapter.

To bind a network adapter to a protocol

  1. Go to Network properties.

  2. In the list of installed network components, click Dial-Up       Adapter, and then click Properties.

  3. Click the Bindings tab.

  4. Make sure that the boxes are checked for the protocols that both computers will be using.

5. A null-modem (Standard or Basic 4-bit cable) or laplink cable is used.

Last updated: 01/18/06 by Karl Ho