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

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

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

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

Part 3. Connecting the Computers

To connect the computers, follow these steps:

1. 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.
   1. Shut down Windows.
   2. Turn off the computer.
   3. Unplug the power cord.
   4. Open the computer case.
   5. Remove the bracket from a free PCI slot on the back of the computer.
   6. 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.
   7. Use the screw from the bracket to fasten the card.
   8. Close the case.
   9. Plug the power cord back in.
2. 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:
   1. 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.
   2. Plug the signal distributor into a power outlet.

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

To view other topics in the Set Up a Small Network guide, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

This article is a translation from German. Any subsequent changes or additions to the original German article may not be reflected in this translation. The information contained in this article is based on the German-language version(s) of this product. The accuracy of this information in relation to other language versions of this product is not tested within the framework of this translation. Microsoft makes this information available without warranty of its accuracy or functionality and without warranty of the completeness or accuracy of the translation.