How to connect laptop & desktop via crossover cable?

[bluemax]

Well, I have my school laptop and I want to transfer files from it to my desktop and back again. I have the network cards, I have the crossover cable- but what do I need to do now? They don't seem to communicate...
(Networking is the only thing I haven't done much of in the last 10 years.)
The laptop uses Novell something for school access, which is not on my desktop.
Suggestions?

 

[Windogg]

Novell uses IPX. If you don't want to kill those settings, just use NetBEUI. It simple and nothing to configure.

Windogg

 

[bluemax]

Can you give me just a little more info on that while I attempt to struggle though on my own?
Between posts, that is...

 

[Volitive]

If the laptop is using Novell, chances are, it's doing IPX/SPX. Try adding that protocol to your
Networking configuration.

Since the laptop is pigeonholed for Novell access at school, I'm pretty sure you don't want to mess
the laptop up network-wise. So your best bet is to work on the PC, see if you can get sharing going.

Get into your Network Properties, and see what you got in there. Maybe add NetBEUI, IPX/SPX and TCP/IP
just to make sure you got all the bases covered.

Also, make sure you got link on both sides of the cable (especially PC-side, since your laptop might not
have a link light). You might have a patch, but think it's a crossover?

Cheers,
Volitive

 

[Windogg]

Heh heh, sorry bout that. I just realized that it was a really half assed post. Installed "Client For Microsoft Network" don't worry it won't interfere with Novell. Then installed NetBEUI. Enable File Sharing. Set the two computers to the same workgroup. Restart and viola! They should see each other in the Network Neighborhood. Just be careful with file sharing after you are back on the school network.

Windogg

 

[bluemax]

Thanks... added the protocols and I'd never have thought to change workgroups! Restarting... let's see how it goes...
Thanks in advance!!

 

[rmblam]

If you are only interested in transfering files then consider a USB file transfer cable (if you have USB on both). I download huge files at work (ISDN) and transfer it to my laptop with this cable. I can then transfer it to any computer that has a USB port. I don't have to worry about network protocols from one system to the next.

Here is a link to the one I have, but there are others and I've seen some with faster transfer rates. Mine is fast enough for me (about 40 secs for ~47 MB).

http://www.allusb.com/products/P11039.html

Here's a link for prices on a another one if your interested.

http://shopper.cnet.com/shopping/resellers/0-7085-311-1781577.html?tag=st.sh.sr.pl.pr1781577