File Transfer between computers using a direct ethernet cable

[omarBMX]

Hi, I don't have an internet connection yet in my new apartment but I want to transfer large files from my laptop to my desktop. I tried connecting an ethernet cable directly from my laptop to my desktop but Windows gave me the "Limited or no connectivity" message and I couldn't figure out how to transfer files. Both the laptop and desktop are running Windows XP Pro, but the work laptop might have some extra security settings my company configured (not sure).

Anyway, just wanted to figure out how to get this thing working, and once its setup how do I transfer the files?

Thanks.

 

[DLBlank]

I dont eavn think you can do that...

Could allways get some type of usb transfer deal though.

EDIT: If u have a router you could hook that up with both comps connecting to it and should be fine that way just wont have any net going to it...

 

[jlazzaro]

you definately can do that, but you need a crossover cable instead of a straigh-through cable, which is probobly the cable you used in the first place. crossover cables are used for connecting like devices (pc to pc, switch to switch, router to router, ect). For both computers, assign a static ip address (ie 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2 along with the appropiate subnet mask), and either connect to or map a network drive from one computer to the other computer.

right click my network places -> map network drive or go to start -> run and type \\(ip address\(drive). dont forget to share what you want, or i think you can use a $ after the drive letter to access ones that arent shared). I have done this many of times to transfer 10,000+ mp3's between pc and laptop and it has worked like a charm...

if you dont have crossover cable, you can either buy one or make one following the wiring scheme here:

http://www.littlewhitedog.com/content-8.html

hope this helps...pretty good for a drunk person at 5:00 am eh? any questions feel free to respond.

 

[ktwebb]

Buy the cable. Do you have a link light on the NIC's. If the cards are gigabit you won't likely need to buy a x-over cable. Should be auto sensing.


Beyond that, just do as already instructed and setup your local IP's and mask. I would suggest googling XP file sharing tutorial. Many, many walkthroughs out there, alot with screenshots. Practicallynetworked, homenethelp.com, theeldergeek.com and a ton of others.

 

[vo]

I dont think he got a gigabit NIC.
You have to buy the cross over cable ... I think it is like 6 bucks at Home Depot (yes ... Home Depot ... . You can get it cheaper online but have to wait for shipping.
Before XP, all you have to do is connect the two with the cross over cable.
But with XP, you have to enable which files or directory you want to share.

 

[nweaver]

if he got the "Limited connectivity" then he has either gig or a crossover, as they linked up (layer1/2 complete). He needs to assign IP's and then swap files.

 

[vo]

Originally posted by: nweaver
if he got the "Limited connectivity" then he has either gig or a crossover, as they linked up (layer1/2 complete). He needs to assign IP's and then swap files.

Ditto, nweaver, I missed that part
I remembered in the pre-XP days, I just hook up the two comps while not connect to the internet and it's ready to go (WinME).
I guess you are right about the IP address. Most of us dont pay attention to it since when you hook up to a router, an IP address is automaticaly assigned to your comp. When my internet was downed last week, I just used the LAN to communicate between my comps instantly.