ok guys, i've searched and read and i still can't get it. Here's the info:

Comp 1: Pentuim 4 xp pro service pack 3
Comp 2: E machine celeron xp pro
Router: Linksys Etherfast cable/dsl router

I have my ethernet cable from comp 1(main computer) plugged into the internet port on the router.

I have a 50ft ethernet cable from port1 on the router to comp2.

the router recognizes that port1 is plugged into comp2(green light lit up on router)

the router recognizes comp1 is hooked up to the internet port on the router(green light lit up)

From there i have ran home network wizard and set up a LAN connection

Also i have ran Network Magic program and it says it cannot detect my router.

so being a rookie, i want to stop and get the correct advice from you guys. You have helped me in the past and i have always had success.

Note: The main reason for this network is so that i can play multiplayer games with my son. I DO NOT NEED TO HAVE COMP2 INTERNET CAPABLE. Thanks!!!!! The cables are not "cross- cables"The Internet port on your router should have your cable\dsl modem plugged into it

The 4 open PORTS that are left should have the computers plugged into them....

For EXAMPLE....computer 1 plugged into port one and computer 2 plugged into port 2 on the router.....


So your saying that if i dont need the internet connection i dont need to plug anything into the internet port on the modem? And if i do have to have an internet connection, i assume that i would have to find a cord with a regular telephone line plug on one end and and ethernet plug on the other? (my reasoning is , my modem is built in, i have dial- up, so all i have on my mdem port is a phone jack and a "line" jack)I'm stilll waiting for someone's help please1. Dial-Up ISP Connection. What kind of "dial-up" service do you have, regular or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)? The later is hi-speed Internet.

If you have regular "dial-up" (which is not DSL), then the incoming line attaches to the "line" port of the regular modem and "phone" as you've previously stated.

2. Linksys Router. The Internet (WAN) port of the Linksys router is used for a DSL/Cable ISP connection. It CONNECTS via an ethernet cable to either a DSL or Cable modem. If you don't have a DSL/Cable connection, you're not going to use it.

You're just going to use the "switch" component of the home router which is just the four local area network (LAN) ports. You shouldn't have to configure anything on the Linksys router to use it as a switch.

As previously stated by "Spoiler", you just cable each computer to one of the LAN ports. You use a normal ("straight" not "crossover") ethernet cable to do this.

3. File and Printer Sharing. Not sure, but I think you have to enable "File and Printer Sharing" on both computers to "game" across the LAN. Or do the games have their own client/server software built-in? The "games" should have some setup instructions for LAN play. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.)

4. Reference(s):
a. Home Network, Wireless Network and Computer Networking Made Easy
B. Windows XP: Networking your home or small business

c. File and Printer Sharing with Microsoft Windows
d. Troubleshooting File and Printer Sharing in Microsoft Windows XP
1. File and Printer Sharing. Well, now I'm THINKING you don't need "File and Printer Sharing" enabled for multiplayer gaming across the LAN. It would probably be best if you have this "disabled" on the computer you use for an Internet connection (dial-up). When enabled, it gives users from the Internet easier access to your files.

2. Firewall(s). While disconnected from the Internet and troubleshooting your multiplayer game setup you can disable the software firewall on the computers, if any. Get your multiplayer game configuration working first, then worry about which programs, protocols, and/or ports the firewall needs to permit through.

This might also apply to any Security Suite Software you may have installed.Thanks so much for the help folks....have a great day!!!