Direct Connect LAN no-go

Ubiquitous · Post by **Ubiquitous** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 3:02 am

I got Dungeon Lords (and several other games for that matter) that I would like to play in multiplayer mode with a direct connection with a printer cable (parralel cable,... right?).
So here's the situation:
I have two computers, both without an internet connection, in my room and my live-in girlfriend wants to coop. I thought you just throw a printer cable between the two and everything works out but... I've put 8 hours of troubleshooting and reading windows xp helps and can't seem to get my computers to recognize each other.
So far I've tried using the computer's names in the game software.. doesn't work. I've set up several "networks" including a "remote desktop connection". I can' find my non internet IP, and yes I tried msconfig and it says, "Windows IP configuration."
By the way, the remote destop connection asked for a password when I hit "connect". I know for a fact there aren't any passwords associated with either computer.
I'm sorry I typed so much but I just want to let you guys know that I did TRY to do something before I came crying to you.

@!@!PLEASE HELP!@!@

Here are some things I need to double check on;

parralel/printer/the long D-shell/direct connect = that's what I'm doing?
port numbers = where?
IP (the non-internet) = where?

TY in advanced for any you may provide.

dj_venom · Post by **dj_venom** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 4:03 am

Now, we had direct connection running, but that was about 5 years ago, so I can't be certain on what I say next, but I think some of it is correct.

First of all, you have to make a network. Now, you're on Windows XP, so I'll write out what you have to do:

Start -> Settings -> Network Connections -> Set up a Network

One computer needs to choose the option of being a host, one computer needs to be a receiver. Use the same name for the network, so that they do join each other.

After that, make sure you don't have firewalls going (Windows XP Service Pack 2 has a really annoying firewall).

Service Pack 2 Firewall: Start -> Settings -> Network connection -> Local Area Connection -> Properties -> Advanced Tab -> Settings -> Off.

In theory, if all of that was successful, you should be connected.

To check your ip address:
Open up dos prompt -> ipconfig -> It should display a few series of numbers, you should be able to figure your ip address.

Goodluck with all of that, and be sure to post back if you have any problems.

Rookierookie · Post by **Rookierookie** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 7:01 am

Why not try using a network cable instead?

Ubiquitous · Post by **Ubiquitous** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 12:00 pm

Um...

As mentioned before I already tried ipconfig and it tells me "Windows IP configuration" without any numbers, just that one single line.
It sounds like the network that you are talking about (I have about 5 different kinds of networks that it gives me the choice of) is under the "advanced connections" and then something like "connect directly to another computer." It then asked if I wanted to be host, bla bla bla. Yes I tried that. The set up ran nicely, but I when I try to connect them it asks for a sign in (user name and password). I don't understand if I'm supposed to type in the computer's name or IP as user name and I know there aren't any paswords. (My computer is freshly reformatted.) When I use either name it attempts to connect for centuries and then tells me the other computer is not accepting connections or isn't ready for one yet.
Also, both computer's firewall have been disabled.

Trying to tell you as much as I can to help you help me. TY for the attempts and any more to come.

Ubiquitous · Post by **Ubiquitous** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 9:32 pm

Ok

Okay, I got the ethernet cards going and have a network cable between the two. I succesfully got a "direct connection" between the two computers. Now I get an IP but my computers still don't recognize each other. If it matters, How do I find the proper Port#? maybe that's it, let me know anything that I don't. ; )