How to connect two XP pc's?

ChrisBuck

ChrisBuck

ChrisBuck

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2 Aug 2006
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I have two (actually three) Windows XP sp2 PC's connected to a Draytek router. I also have a crossover cable spare - I thought ahead a bit...I want to transfer files (~280gig) from one PC to another... which is the easiest way to so this? What do I need to configure where? I tried using the crossover cable method between two of the PCs (creating a workgroup) yesterday. Windows XP reported limited/no connectivity and the network connection wizards could not find a "shared connection" - thats roughly what the wizard called it.

help.....
 
If EITHER of the network cards is 10/100 and not 10/100/1000 then you are limited to 100Mbps so you might as well just plug them both into the router (at least that way you won't have to mess around with IP addresses etc)
 
okay... if I use the router... what wizard/settings should I select - create a new connection - advanced connection allowing incoming calls...?.. turn on file/folder sharing for the folder I am after.
 
There are so, so many guides if you search.

Basically, plug them both into the router. Hopefully each will connect to the network (shows as connected in "Network Connections in control panel). Next, make sure each is on the same Workgroup by going to control panel -> system -> computer name tab. If not, click change and type something in (anything, mine is called "LAN"). Then, right click the folder for sharing, properties, sharing tab, and share on network.
 
Did all that at least twice before and after my first post...... tried two workgroup names on the two PCs, workgroup and mshome. Shared the folder on the host(?) pc... still could not see either computer in network places. Turned off some of the network suppression options on xp-antispy in case that was to blame. Still could not see anything...... dumb question coming..... how should I browse the folder I want to copy from... map a drive to a ippadress + folder share name?

I have read a couple of guides which suggested different approaches - neither worked (I think I followed them correctly). Both PCs can access the internet so I assume it is not a physical connectivity problem. Is there anything I may have missed... some little tid bit of information/config which is not obvious?
 
Nothing even when you go 'My Network Places' > 'View workroup computers' (on your left hand side)? If you can see the other machine (icon), then (double) click to enter/browse. If you don't see anything, then no folders are shared.

Hope there's no Firewall software blocking the connections?

& its been mentioned before but, having both machines on same Workgroupd is very important. Run the 'Set up a home or small office network' wizard againg if not :)
 
Windows Explorer file copying is so bad anyway, just use FTP (again, non-windows FTP) and don't bother with all the workgroup nonesense!

http://filezilla.sourceforge.net/ is a great package.

All you need is to connect PC's to router/switch, and open up the firewall port.
 
FTP... thats a good idea, will try that tonight. I have not built an FTP server in years but its not difficult. And I will check my firewall setup aswell - I think that may have been the problem. Which application/port should I allow for Windows folder browsing in a workgroup? I could disconnect the internet and disable the firewall completely on both PCs but I would prefer not to. I'll open port 21 for FTP anyway and do the copy that way. FTP doesn't require the folder to be shared....?
 
not Windows File shared, no, using FileZilla server, you setup the "share" within the server control panel. after setting up the user in same.
 
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