Setup a simple TCP/IP network with Windows9x

What you will need:

-Your Operating System’s Cdrom or floppies.

-2 or more computers with ethernet network cards – installed properly with drivers.

-A hub and RJ45 patch cables or a crossover cable.

**Networking only 2 machines is possible using only a crossover cable**

Now that you have all the required hardware and software, let's configure Windows to take advantage of networking.

From the start button go to settings and then control panel.

In the control panel, double click on the Network Icon.

Select the add button, Select protocol and Press the add button. 

Select Microsoft, then drag the slider down until you see TCP/IP, select it and Press OK. (Note: You might consider adding NetBEUI here also.)

Select TCP/IP and Select Properties.

Each computer needs an IP address. We will be using 192.168.0.1 for the 1^st system. The other systems will use the same scope of addresses i.e. 192.186.0.2, 192.168.0.3 and up to 192.168.0.255.

This setup will support 255 nodes (machines).

The Subnet Mask will be 255.255.255.0 on all machines.

Hit Ok.

Now Select the Add button and select service, then Press add.

Select File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks and Press Ok.

Now Select File and Print sharing...

Check both boxes and Press Ok.

Select the Identification Tab.

Each machine must have it's own unique name.

The same workgroup name must be used on all systems.

Select Ok and Reboot all systems!

Now go to start run and type in "Command".

At the command prompt type in ping 192.168.0.1, if it can ping itself it works!

Now try to ping your other system by IP address. i.e. ping 192.168.0.2, if it works continue on.

To share drives - files - printers

  Double click on "My Computer".

Select the Drive or Folder you want to share, Right click and select Sharing.

 Select Shared As. Type in what you would like the share to be named.

Access Type: Use full with no password.

Press apply.

Same steps apply to folders and printers. Use the Right mouse button.

If you've done everything correctly, the computers are now networked!

Thank you imac, who wrote this tutorial and took all the screenshots.