Getting XP to use the Right network connection

[lasergecko]

I have laptop that connects wirelessly, though a NIC, and through firewire to my main machine. XP is really inconsisent when I move files. Is there a way to make XP use the firewire connection as much as possible??

(In other words, how do I tell XP what network connection to use when it is transferring files).

 

[Fencer128]

Hi,

Not sure this will work, but have you tried increasing the "metric" for whichever connection you would like to use least? A value of 50 (bit of a guess!) might do it. Then I *think* it will only use the high metric connection if it cannot connect via your preferred connection.

If anyone knows that this might/won't work please tell!

Good luck,

Andy

 

[lasergecko]

Where to I set the "metric" for each connection?

 

[Fencer128]

Right click "Network Neighbourhood" --> "Properties" --> Double click <connection you want to change metric of> --> Double click "TCP/IP" --> "Advanced" --> Untick "Automatic Metric" then change to a higher value (to disuade windows from using it).

Good luck,

Andy

 

[Fencer128]

Hi,

Did it work? I'd like to know for future reference.

Cheers,

Andy

 

[lasergecko]

I haven't tried it yet.... I was wondering what is the range of values to use? I.E. -50, 50,100?

 

[bsobel]

The metrics are just compared to each other, the lower being used first. Make the secondary connection a '2' and you should be fine.
Bill

 

[lasergecko]

Well, the metric thing seems to work with the following settings:
1 Firewire
2 NIC
3 Wireless

However there is a problem with the firewire I was only able to transmit 416,999 packets before the firewire connection died and I got a "Specificed network name is no longer available"