Microsoft KB Archive/813938

= How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 3) =

Article ID: 813938

Article Last Modified on 11/5/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

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SUMMARY
This article includes Part 3 of the &quot;Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition&quot; guide. Part 3 discusses how to connect the computers.

Note To view the other topics of the &quot;Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition&quot; guide, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base articles that are listed in the &quot;References&quot; section of this article.

The &quot;Set up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition&quot; guide includes the following topics:

Part 1. Introduction: Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition

Part 2. Buying the Network Hardware

Part 3. Connecting the Computers

Part 4. Installing the Network Card

Part 5. Configuring TCP/IP Protocol

Part 6. Setting the Computer Names and the Workgroups

Part 7. Sharing Folders

Part 8. Sharing a Printer



Part 3. Connecting the Computers
To connect the computers, follow these steps:  Install the network card. To install the network card, follow these steps.

Warning Internal computer components may be damaged by static electricity, the use of too much force for removal or insertion, or the use of inappropriate tools. If you are not familiar with computer hardware installation, Microsoft recommends that you contact a qualified technician to repair or install internal computer components.  Shut down Windows. Turn off the computer. Unplug the power cord. Open the computer case. Remove the bracket from a free PCI slot on the back of the computer. Put the network card vertically into the slot. Push it in firmly, but do not use too much force. You can hear the card snap in place when it is seated correctly in the slot.</li> Use the screw from the bracket to fasten the card.</li> Close the case.</li> Plug the power cord back in.</li></ol> </li> Install the signal distributor. Put it near a power outlet and where all the computers can easily access it. To install the signal distributor, follow these steps: <ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;"> Connect the network cards to the signal distributor. To do so, plug one end of the twisted pair cable into a network card and the other end into the hub or switch.</li> Plug the signal distributor into a power outlet.</li></ol> </li></ol>

Your small network is almost completely set up. You now have to prepare Windows to operate in a network environment.

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