[Jamie-Kane]

im a bit of a noob at this. but here goes... can i connect my new pc to my old one with a cat-5 cable and transfer files from one to another. so i could get all my music, pics etc to my new one.

if this isn't possible what is the best way to transfer all those files, and if it is possible then how do i do it?

[Sodaen]

1. Acquire a CROSSOVER Ethernet cable
2. Plug each ends of the crossover Ethernet cable into each Network Interface Card
ON EACH OF THESE COMPUTERS:
3. Click on Start
4. Click on Control Panel
5. Double click Network and Internet Connections
6. Double click on Network Connections
7. Right click on Local Area Connection (by default)
8. Go to Properties
9. In the list, find Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
10. Left click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
11. Click on Properties just below the list, to the right
12. Assure you are in the General tab
13. Click on Use the following IP Address for both
14. To the right of IP address, enter: 192.168.0.3 192.168.0.4 (one for each computer)
15. To the right of Subnet Mask, enter: 255.255.255.0 (for both)
16. Press Ok
17. Press Ok

Now to share files:

On each of these computers you must do the following:
1. Press Start
2. Press Control Panel
3. Press Network and Internet Connections
4. Press Network Connections
5. Right click on the Ethernet card you are using
6. Click on Properties
7. In the list, make sure the following are in this list:
a. Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
b. Client for Microsoft Networks
c. File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
d. *** IF IT DOES NOT EXIST, PRESS INSTALL AND INSTALL IT ***
8. Go to Advanced Tab
9. Click on Settings (in the Windows Firewall menu)
10. Turn your firewall off if not already so
11. Press Start
12. Press Run
13. In the text-box enter EXACTLY: "%SystemRoot%\system32\services.msc /s"
14. Press Ok
15. Find TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
16. Right click on it
17. Go to Properties
18. In the General Tab make sure it is Startup type: Automatic
* If not, change it to Automatic
19. Press Start
20. Right click on My Computer
21. Press the Computer Name tab
22. Type a name for each of your computers
23. Press Start
24. Press Control Panel
25. Press Network and Internet Connections
26. Press Internet Connections
27. On the left menu press Set up a Home or Small Office Network
28. Press Next
29. Press Next
30. Select Other
31. Press Next
32. Select:
a. If you are 56k, select This computer connects directly to the Internet. I do not have a network yet
b. If you are Cable/DSL, select This computer connects directly to the Internet directly or through a network hub
33. Press Next
34. Right from Computer Description type a description of the computer
35. Right from Computer Name, name your computer
36. Press Next
37. Right from Workgroup Name, pick a name that each computer will share (it will be the same on both)
38. Finish it and click out of thee
39. Press Start
40. Press My Computer
* You can find the folder you want to share in here
41. Right click on what you desire to share
42. Click Sharing and Security
43. Click the Sharing Tab
44. Click on the floating text saying "If you understand the risk (blah blah)"
45. In the Network Sharing and Security pretext, checkmark Share this folder on the Network
46. Click out of all that

Now you need to find the stuff:
1. On your desktop there is a My Network Place object, double click on it.
2. You will be able to find what one shares
3. Go into what folder you want, select it all, ctrl+c (copy) and ctrl+v (paste) it elsewhere on your computer.

Yeah, it's sweet.

Also make sure again the Windows Firewall is off.

[firemouse]

The cable will have to be cross over to directly plug them into each other. otherwise just plug them both into a hub/switch/router

[mikesgroovin]

Originally Posted by firemouse

The cable will have to be cross over to directly plug them into each other. otherwise just plug them both into a hub/switch/router

In 97% of the cases sure, you'd be surprised at how many boards come with auto-sensing integrated RJ-45s now though.

[johnarama]

Originally Posted by Jamie-Kane

im a bit of a noob at this. but here goes... can i connect my new pc to my old one with a cat-5 cable and transfer files from one to another. so i could get all my music, pics etc to my new one.

if this isn't possible what is the best way to transfer all those files, and if it is possible then how do i do it?

An easier way is to download/install GigaTribe on each computer (www.gigatribe.com), select the folders you want to share with others on first machine, then "invite" the other machine into your private virtual network. You'll have to create a seperate username for each account you use at the same time, but it's free and only takes a minute to set up... (oh yeah, and they both have to be connected to the internet!)

[EricB]

what happen to crossover cables and the network setup wizard?

[only_m8]

ok... i got 2 know how 2 connect 2 pc's but sum1 tel me will i be able to play lan games like nfs,cs1.6, aoe, aom...... i have a vista laptop and xp sp2 pc...

[Ethereal_Dragon]

wow, um...... y3s, y0u w1ll b3 abl3 t0 play LAN gam3s b3tw33n th3 tw0 c0mput3rs.....

Depending on your budget (and availability), a router might be a better idea, as you would also be able to share internet between the two without having to run Internet connection sharing on one host, which would have to remain on to provide connectivity.