Transferring files with crossover cable

[Guest]

I need to transfer files between 2 laptops, both running winXP pro, with a
crossover cable. I was told to set the IP addresses of the two computers to
anything I want, with one number different, and to set the subnet to
255.255.255.0

I did this, and I enabled file and printer sharing on both computers, but
can't get the computers to find each other.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

MPutnam

 

[Chuck]

I need to transfer files between 2 laptops, both running winXP pro, with a
crossover cable. I was told to set the IP addresses of the two computers to
anything I want, with one number different, and to set the subnet to
255.255.255.0

I did this, and I enabled file and printer sharing on both computers, but
can't get the computers to find each other.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

MPutnam

The advice is a little over simple. Maybe saying, "...with the last number
different" would be better. For instance, "169.254.1.1" and "169.254.1.2" would
be a good choice, but "169.254.1.1" and "169.254.2.1" wouldn't be.

If you set the numbers correctly, verify connectivity by pinging one from the
other. If you're getting ping responses, post "ipconfig /all" from both
computers here, and we'll help you.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>

If you're not getting responses, check the physical connectivity issues.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/dealing-with-physical-network-problems.html>

 

[Chuck]

I need to transfer files between 2 laptops, both running winXP pro, with a
crossover cable. I was told to set the IP addresses of the two computers to
anything I want, with one number different, and to set the subnet to
255.255.255.0

I did this, and I enabled file and printer sharing on both computers, but
can't get the computers to find each other.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

MPutnam

The advice is a little over simple. Maybe saying, "...with the last number
different" would be better. For instance, "169.254.1.1" and "169.254.1.2" would
be a good choice, but "169.254.1.1" and "169.254.2.1" wouldn't be.

Actually, if you have a pair of modern systems, the addressing should be taken
care of, automatically, if you set each computer to DHCP assignment.

My guide to using crossover a cable should answer these and other questions.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/07/connecting-two-computers-with.html>

 

[Jeff Teel]

Both computers need to be on the same Workgroup too or they won't see each
other. Do that by right-clicking in My Computer Icon and choose Properties.
Then choose the Computer Name tab. Be sure each computer has a different
name but set each to have the same workgroup name. They will then be visible
to each other in My Network Places in the workgroup name that you choose.

Jeff

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Both computers need to be on the same Workgroup too or they won't see each
other. Do that by right-clicking in My Computer Icon and choose Properties.
Then choose the Computer Name tab. Be sure each computer has a different
name but set each to have the same workgroup name. They will then be visible
to each other in My Network Places in the workgroup name that you choose.

Jeff

It makes networking a little bit easier in some cases to put the
computers in the same workgroup, but it isn't necessary. A computer
in any workgroup can access a computer in any other workgroup. Shared
disks and folders appear in My Network Places for all computers in all
workgroups.

Workgroups serve no practical purpose in Windows XP.

--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Chuck]

It makes networking a little bit easier in some cases to put the
computers in the same workgroup, but it isn't necessary. A computer
in any workgroup can access a computer in any other workgroup. Shared
disks and folders appear in My Network Places for all computers in all
workgroups.

Workgroups serve no practical purpose in Windows XP.

Except to limit the volume of servers listed in the root of Network
Neighborhood, making it easier to spot a nearby server you're looking for. And
to limit the number of servers that any browser has to enumerate.

Workgroups serve no practical security purpose, though they serve very practical
purposes otherwise.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Except to limit the volume of servers listed in the root of Network
Neighborhood, making it easier to spot a nearby server you're looking for. And
to limit the number of servers that any browser has to enumerate.

Workgroups serve no practical security purpose, though they serve very practical
purposes otherwise.

I'd agree with you, Chuck, if the topic were Network Neighborhood in
Windows 95/98. I'm specifically referring to Windows XP, where My
Network Places shows shared disks and folders on all computers in all
workgroups.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Jeff Teel]

What would happen if you left the workgroup blank?

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

[snip]
What would happen if you left the workgroup blank?

Windows XP assigns a default workgroup name ("Mshome" or "Workgroup")
right out of the box. You can change it to another name, but you
can't make it blank.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com