network two pc's with cross over cable?

punto123

Hi there

i am wanting to network my xp and vista machines via the network port using crossover cable, how can i do this ? , i am new at this, so hope the info is simple as possible thank you

timbim_2

Does anything else need to connect to the network (broadband, printer, NAS etc)? If not, it's simply a case of plugging any network cable between the two, and sharing any folders you want to share, by right clicking the folder, properties, sharing, and select the options you want, then OK.

macman

timbim wrote: »

Does anything else need to connect to the network (broadband, printer, NAS etc)? If not, it's simply a case of plugging any network cable between the two, and sharing any folders you want to share, by right clicking the folder, properties, sharing, and select the options you want, then OK.

No, you can't network directly using any network cable, you must use a crossover cable. You can only use a normal network patch cable if connecting via a hub or switch.

basmic

If you just want to share files or a printer using the ethernet cable, then yes a crossover will see you nicely.

If you want to share one internet connection between two computers, then a router is recommended.

You could share one internet connection between the two computers, if you had either two ethernet ports or a modem which doesn't use your only ethernet port.

macman

I got the impression that the OP just wanted a temporary network to transfer over some old files?
I agree, if they want a permanent network and one or more PC's is already connected to the net, then use existing router and connect both PC's by ethernet via the router.

punto123

hi there they are not connected to the net, and i would like have a permanent network between them using cross over cable, or does that present a problem?, i am wanting to share folders/files and printer , many thanks

basmic

punto123 wrote: »

hi there they are not connected to the net, and i would like have a permanent network between them using cross over cable, or does that present a problem?, i am wanting to share folders/files and printer , many thanks

If your ethernet port is not in use by anything else, such as broadband modem, then I see no reason why not.

If you do buy a cross-over cable, I'd recommend buying one ever so slightly longer than what you need. People forget about tucking them around the skirting board, then up from the skirting board to the computer.

macman

Then just use a crossover cable, and enable file sharing as advised by timbim.
All you need is the cable and a network/ethernet port on each PC, which you should have as standard if they are not more than about 5 years old.

old_codger1

punto123 wrote: »

hi there they are not connected to the net, and i would like have a permanent network between them using cross over cable, or does that present a problem?, i am wanting to share folders/files and printer , many thanks

There's no problem with that. A crossover cable should work fine.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/136191

punto123

hi there

i have now setup the network with the cross over cable
i have used this guide http://www.home-network-help.com/crossover.html
i am able to ping each machine, my question now is where do i click to be able to share the folders ? etc on each machine from the other one , thank you

timbim_2

A straight through will work just as well. All network ports even from before XP are auto-sensing, they can work out how they need to set themselves up. crossovers cables are only needed for very old computers.