When you try to establish a connection between a Windows 95 and a Windows 98 or Windows Me computer using Direct Cable Connection, you may be unable to connect.

This behavior can occur when you use the default protocols installed by Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me. By default, Windows 95 installs the NetBEUI protocol and the IPX/SPX protocol. However, Windows 98 and Windows Me install only Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Since Direct Cable Connection requires that the same protocol be installed on both computers, you are unable to connect.

To connect and share resources between two computers running Windows 95 or Windows 98 or Windows Me using Direct Cable Connection, you should have the following components installed:

Note Ensure that the systems are not already connected using Dial-up networking.

• Client for Microsoft Networks
• File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
• Both NetBEUI and IPX/SPX protocols installed on both computers

To add these components, use the appropriate method:

Client for Microsoft Networks

1. Click Start, point to Setting, click Control Panel, and then double-click Networks.
2. On the Configuration tab, click Add.
3. Click Client, and then click Add.
4. In the Manufacturers box, click Microsoft. In the Network Clients box, click Client For Microsoft Networks, click OK, and then click OK again.
5. Restart your computer when you are prompted to do so.

File and Printer Sharing

1. Click Start, point to Setting, click Control Panel, and then double-click Networks.
2. Click Add, click Service, and then click Add.
3. In the Manufacturers box, click Microsoft. In the Network Services box, click "File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks," and then click OK.
4. Click OK.
5. Restart your computer when you are prompted to do so.

Protocol

1. Click Start, point to Setting, click Control Panel, and then double-click Networks.
2. Click Add, click Protocol, and then click Add.
3. In the Manufacturers box, click Microsoft. In the Network Services box, click a protocol. Be sure that at least one protocol is installed on both computers.
4. Click OK, and then click OK again.
5. Restart your computer when you are prompted to do so.

For more information issues with Windows XP and Direct Cable Connection, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: