I just got a laptop with vista and i have a desktop with XP. I want to link them up so i cann have internet on both but I dont know what I need or how to do it. right now I have a Linkksys router modle EZXS55W and a comcast internet modem all wired plzz help out it would be much apperiated

Ok, you have some spelling errors, but I am pretty sure I looked up your model correctly. This is not a router it is a switch. My advice, if you just purchased it and are able, is to take it back and purchase a router. I can not stress enough that switches and hubs are not the best option for sharing internet connections.

Ok thank you. The spelling errors are mostly because im not used to the laptop lol do you think you could link me some routers?

Originally Posted by Nightwolf1772

Ok thank you. The spelling errors are mostly because im not used to the laptop lol do you think you could link me some routers?

Where did you purchase your switch from? They will likely sell routers also. Routers are simply a combination of a switch and a modem all in one, making them much easier to use and meaning you won't have to worry about compatibility issues.

Dan

I got it from an office surplus place I guess that would explain why It wouldnt connect right ima save up some money and buy a mote since the switch is about a year old

There shouldn't be any difference with using the operating systems. Set it up/use it just as if it was two computers with XP.

ok I bought a router and the desktop still wont connect. The laptop is what I set the network up on any help would be greatly appreciated

When you use a router you do not have to really set up a network. Just configure both to be used with a connection always running. Plug your modem into the router in the port distinguish from the others. For instance, if you have a four port router, four of the ports will be distinguished using one color and the one you need to plug your modem into will be another color. It is wise to have your computers off then plug the Ethernet cables of your laptop and desktop into the other ports. Turn them on. They should automatically connect.
If you need help setting the connections to always running let me know and I will walk you through that. Your desktop will connect normally online correct? I suppose I should have asked that before instead of just assuming.

Nightwolf1772

If you use to run just one PC off your modem and are now switching over to a switch/router (whatever) you will need to reset the MAC address with your ISP. To do this power off all your boxes. (PC's, Switch, Modem) let it sit for 15 minutes then one by one turn them back on in the following order making sure to wait till all the lights settle down a bit (2 or 3 minutes) Modem first, followed by switch/router, then the PC's. This will register the MAC address of your switch/router with your ISP so that it will be the unit that the ISP will negotiate with. Once that's done you can put as many PC's on your network without having to go through this again. Also make sure everything is set to factory default if you have adjusted the settings. The factory sets everything to DHCP which means the boxes will ask the network for IP addresses and DNS servers etc.

Hope this helps
Mike

I think it is pretty safe to day that the ISP recognized the MAC address of the router being that the laptop connected through the router.

Originally Posted by PC Catastrophe

I think it is pretty safe to day that the ISP recognized the MAC address of the router being that the laptop connected through the router.

That shouldn't matter anyways unless your ISP is crazy about what devices it allows on their network. You're using cable internet I guess? I'd assume that as long as both of your devices are connected through the router, and both are set to use an "always on" connection they both should work. Are you even getting a usable IP from the router?