I have just bought a new PC, and it comes with Windows XP Pro. I also have an older PC with Windows 2000 on it. I want to transfer files from the old PC to the new PC, and since they both have a NIC, I decided to network them togather. However, I am having trouble making them talk to each other.

I connected both PC with a yellow ethernet cable directly. I turn both on, and I can see that the line is working, because the little local area network icon in the system tray is blinking and sending packets. However, neither of the system could see the other in My Network Place.

Since I don't know anything about networking, I did a bit of research online, it seems that the network requires a hub. Is this true? I was under the impression that direct ethernet connection would suffice.

Also, what kind of software do I need to install? I have "Client for Microsoft Networks", "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks", and "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) all installed on both LAN connection on the two systems. What kind of configuration do I need?

Thanks,

Peter

Originally posted by ckpeter
Since I don't know anything about networking, I did a bit of research online, it seems that the network requires a hub. Is this true? I was under the impression that direct ethernet connection would suffice.

Also, what kind of software do I need to install? I have "Client for Microsoft Networks", "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks", and "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) all installed on both LAN connection on the two systems. What kind of configuration do I need?

I have a network without a hub, but I use COAX cables for the network. Not sure if you can make an UTP network without a hub..

You need Client for MS Networks and if you want to copy files, you need File and Printer Sharing too, so you can share a folder to upload the files to. TCP/IP would be necessary too, since that is the protocol which makes both computers understand each other.

To make all this work, make sure you set the Workgroup on both computers to the same name and use a different PC name per computer. After this it should work I'd say.. you could share your Internet connection like this as well..

Install "NetBEUI"... Well it works for networking Win98 to 2k, and 2k to 2k.

Hope I helped a little, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Originally posted by Change
I have a network without a hub, but I use COAX cables for the network. Not sure if you can make an UTP network without a hub...


You can use a UTP cable to connect two computers without a hub. You need a special crossover cable.

I can see that the line is working, so is the crossover cable all I need to make the two see each other? I just need to connect the two and transfer some files. Would other hardware/configuration be needed?

Thanks,

Peter

we have our little network run here over TCP/IP. All 7 machines here run on Win2000. Reason for this is because my network printer can be accessed by IP and this makes it the most easy way to do (I think).

Originally posted by MGCJerry
Install "NetBEUI"... Well it works for networking Win98 to 2k, and 2k to 2k.

Hope I helped a little, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I think there is no 'Netbeui' in WinXP anymore, besides I've heard it's ancient. TCP/IP network should work fine, especially for data transfer.