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Check that both have unique IP addresses, and the same subnet mask. On LANs it is common to have IP addresses like 192.168.0.[*] or 192.168.1.[*]. For the subnet mask it is best to set it to 255.255.255.0

If you've set the IPs correctly, and it is still not working, you can try turning off the firewalls on both computers. This shouldn't be necessary as Windows Firewall allows pinging. If you are using other firewall software then I am not sure.

First of all you should be using a hub instead of a switch, switchs are used for large LANs and not for home networks, but it will work. You need to make sure that you have the firwalls set correctly so that they con communicate, and you will need to make sure that you have file sharing turned on.

Also if you are running windows XP ME they have internal firewalls that need to be turned off if you have other software firewalls. Or you need to run the network setup program so that the firewall settings will allow communications.

You may not be able to ping but have you tried to located using a nslookup (computer name) or use the computer search and type in the other computers name or ip address.

And one other thing, How are they getting IP addresses assigned to them, are they static IP that you have assigned or are they dhcp Assigned IP's. And make sure that the they are in the same workgroup, with the same subnet 255.255.255.0 .

Check all of these items first, then I am sure that you will be able to get it connected.

you should have bought a router then i probably could have help you, the ethernet switch i am not familiar

i assume the ethernet switch has to be set up to talk to whatever is going to the internet. This will be a subnet mask of the internet device with a particular gateway

now the computer have to talk to the ethernet switch which would be the ethernet switches subnet mask and gateway.

the two computers will have the same subnet mask but their gate way will be 1 apart.

to set up the internet device you have to address it with a html link so you may have to plug into it directly to see what its settings are

then you have to address into the ethernet switch to set that up.

basically I havent a clue, or do I ???

Switches do not provide DHCP. If you try to run both computers you should get an IP conflict.

You need a Router, Not a Switch, or Hub.

Good Luck

Take the laptop downstairs and notice if it connects. If it does there could be some obstruction to the sign out of your router to the upstairs. i assume you additionally can take between the laptops upstairs to work out if it somewhat works there. If the computing device works upstairs, you in all probability choose a sparkling community adapter or distinctive drivers.

Have you tried disabling the firewalls on both PCs?