Indicator lights don't turn on when I plug in the ethernet cables

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Elijah - 30 May 2006 22:28 GMT

I have three computers. Two laptops and one desktop. The laptops have
wireless and ethernet adapters, and the desktop has three ethernet adapters.
When I plug the cable between the one laptop and desktop the LED indator
lights do not turn on. When I plug the other laptop into the desktop the
.lights do turn on.

How do I connect the one laptop to the desktop.
Please Reply

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Elijah

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John R Weiss - 30 May 2006 22:42 GMT

"Elijah" <bum@neo.rr.com> wrote...

>I have three computers. Two laptops and one desktop. The laptops have
> wireless and ethernet adapters, and the desktop has three ethernet adapters.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> How do I connect the one laptop to the desktop.

For a direct connection you need a crossover Ethernet cable.

Why do you have 3 Ethernet adapters in the desktop? Multiple LAN cards in home
machines often cause no end of problems... The normal way to connect computers
is via a router, hub, or switch.

Your best option is to get a combination wired/wireless G router (e.g., Linksys
WRT54G), and connect via the router. For the laptops you can use wireless for
mobility, and for the desktop you can use wired for speed and reliability.

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Chuck - 31 May 2006 00:50 GMT

>I have three computers. Two laptops and one desktop. The laptops have
>wireless and ethernet adapters, and the desktop has three ethernet adapters.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>How do I connect the one laptop to the desktop.
>Please Reply

Why do you need a computer with multiple Ethernet adapters? Get a switch or
router, and get rid of the extra adapters. You're not saving any money, and
you're sure wasting a lot of time.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/01/proper-network-design.html#Router>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/01/proper-network-design.html#Router

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Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

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