Anyone know how to connect 2 pc's?

[ReplicA]

So I got my laptop all setup, and ready for work, and games, all that's left to do is to transfer some files from my pc to my laptop. I bought a usb hub, and tried that, but I'm not getting anywhere with it. I've searched around the net, and can't find any directions that work for me.

I also tried connecting them between an Ethernet cable, and it almost works, the only problem is I can't get anything but the printer stuff on the laptop. I'm hopelessly lost here.

By the way, my pc is xp 64x, and my laptop is vista 64, if that means anything.... I just don't get what the problem is, so if someone can help me out, I'd greatly appreciate it. My dvd burner on my pc is no good, it won't be recognized as a recorder anymore, and it prevents my pc from loading correctly, so that option is out. Just gotta transfer the files somehow...

[TryForce]

you have to setup a Home-Network with the ethernet cable, make the Laptop and the Pc's use one Network. Then you should let the folders you want to transfer "be free given out". (it should by a folder symbole with a Hand at it)

Otherwise the only help would be transfering all pieces via disces.

[ReplicA]

Thanks for the reply, TryForce. I've setup a home network, and shared my drive on my pc, but I can't get access to it from my laptop, just printers I don't have... Do you have time, or patience to go into specifics?

[cookepuss]

Make sure sharing is turned on. Although I tend to share globally between my PCs, you're best of turning on file sharing on a folder by folder basis. Use a specific shared folder as your common area between PCs.

My network setup is pretty simple.

Ingredients:
- 1 10/100 Ethernet switch. An ethernet hub will do, but Ethernet switches are actually faster because of duplexing issues. Hubs are slower than switches because of shared bandwidth.
- My DSL modem
- My PCs
- 1 ethernet cable for my modem
- 1 ethernet cable for each PC

1) Connect the DSL modem to the ethernet switch (usually to a line-in port)
2) Connect each PC to the switch (any port but line-in or aux)
3) In XP, on each machine, go through the home network setup wizard. It'll ask you some stuff about residential gateways and whatnot. Just answer what's appropriate
4) Turn on file sharing in your folder options and for each folder that you want to be shared. The "Program Files" directory can be shared - if you want to run programs remotely. However, I believe that you have to setup a custom set of permissions. Regardless, for each directory or device that you wish to share, sharing must be turned on. More over, turn OFF simple file sharing. You won't be allowed to change read/write permissions otherwise.
5) Restart your PCs

That should be it. Give XP time to discover the networked PCs. Usually, this doesn't take more than 30 seconds. However, XP can be fickle when it comes to network discovery. You may have to wait a couple of minutes.

NOTE: Also make sure that your firewall is setup correctly. Make sure that your ethernet adapter is setup as a trusted device or in a trusted zone. Otherwise, it'll block all of your networking attempts. Even then, it may still be necessary to lower your firewall to get the data transfer to go through. Some firewalls are more problematic than others, especially hardware ones.

[ReplicA]

Thanks, cookepuss, unfortunately I don't have a switch. At least I don't think I do. I'm so lost on computer lingo nowdays. I have a router, though, will that work? Wired, but a router none the less.

I gotta take a break though, I'm still pretty lost with this, and I'm starving to boot, which isn't helping matters. Thanks again, for the help, though.

[cookepuss]

An ethernet router will do just fine. I have some of the PCs here networked on a Linksys wireless router. The setup is nearly the same, minus the wires and the addition of a WEP key.

In your case, you probably have something like 3-5 ports or so in the back. 1 for the line in and additional ports for line out. That'll do.

[ReplicA]

Thanks for the help, I got it to work finally. I needed to disable my firewalls, and that was about it. I just took my craptacular ethernet cable, and hooked them directly together, with the network setup wizard on the pc, and vista saw it immediately (granted it took time to identify, but not much). I'm not sure if it's slow or not, with my setup, but I got about 12mbs max, and 2.5mbs at the low end. I'm just glad it worked!! I was able to transfer my base meshes onto my laptop with ease, and my pics folder which I had no idea was as heavy as it is (1.5gb), had no problems either.

Anyway, thanks a ton for the suggestions. I don't think I'd have thought of killing the firewalls.

[cookepuss]

Normally, you shouldn't have to kill your firewall. If you use something like ZoneAlarm or Comodo, all you have to do is set your net adapter into a trusted zone or a as a trusted device. Provided that you're not in some sort of stealth mode that explicitly prohibits sharing, you firewall can remain enabled. The personal network should still work.

On an average week, I can get hit with about 1.5k hack attempts. That's why I run a hardware firewall, a software firewall, and an IP blacklist. Firewalls exist for a reason. Turning your firewall all the way off should only be done as a last resort. I'd probably turn off my modem if I had to disable mine.

my pics folder which I had no idea was as heavy as it is (1.5gb), had no problems either.
I've got about 45gb worth of MP3s waiting to be moved from my laptop to my backup drive. Dreading doing that. :)

[TryForce]

i'm sorryi couldnt answer befor. I just had to leave after the reply. But i see Cooke helped you good :D