this may help. quoted from
http://www.ms-mvps.com/
Configuration
1. Workgroup - it is better to setup a same workgroup on all computers
2. Client for MS Network - must be enabled to access the network
3. File and Printer Sharing - accessed computer should enable the File
and Printer Sharing for other computers accessing
4. User Accounts - for users logon and setup permission
5. Permission - setup necessary permission for users to access network
resources
6. Protocol - TCP/IP is we want
We assume you have all computers physically connected to a router which
is connecting to the Internet. The router is also a DHCP server.
Win9x Setup
To check or setup your network, open Control Panel>Network. Under
Configuration tab, you should have Client for MS Networks, NIC, TCP/IP
and perhaps File and Printer sharing for MS Networks. If you do not
have click Add and then follow the instruction to install them. Also
make sure you select Client for MS Networks as Primary Logon Network.
Now, double-click TCP/IP to check the TCP/IP settings. Normally, you
should keep the default settings: Obtain a IP Address Automatically, no
WINS, Gateway and DNS setting. This means all computers will get IP,
DNS and Gateway from the router as the DHCP server.
Click Identification tab, type a unique name for each computer and the
same group name for all computers.
If you want other machines access data or/and printer on this win9x,
enable file and printer sharing, and right-click the folders you want
to share. Following the instruction to finish the sharing.
msmvp