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how to connect 2 computers, only one has a file hardrive, how would I connect?
Options

Galeeno
Posts: 295 Forumite
Computer one + Monitor 1, (internet access to this one)
Computer 2 + Monitor 2 (just used for creating graphics, webpages/dream weaver)
Computer 1 has a secondary internal hardrive,(sata Seagate) which has all the files, that I need for BOTH computers.
so files hardrive on computer1 will be needed for both computers.
What are my options?
- I want to switch on both computers, and used them alternatively which BOTH have access to the files on the internal hardrive on computer 1.
(I don’t want to keep switching files with a USB penstick, and don’t want to spend loads on a new drive).
and I dont want to disconnect the secondary hardrive, and keep switching them...every time.
a USB - USB wire ? which connects both computers and detects the hardrive, when I am using computer 2?
on computer 2 will that usb wire when used, detect the hard drive on computer 1?
note, only PC 1 is connected to the net.
I don't want PC 2 connected to the net
Edit
Both are running Windows XP Media center edition
and the ethernet port on computer 1 is used for the router, it has a ethernet wire inserted in it.
Computer 2 + Monitor 2 (just used for creating graphics, webpages/dream weaver)
Computer 1 has a secondary internal hardrive,(sata Seagate) which has all the files, that I need for BOTH computers.
so files hardrive on computer1 will be needed for both computers.
What are my options?
- I want to switch on both computers, and used them alternatively which BOTH have access to the files on the internal hardrive on computer 1.
(I don’t want to keep switching files with a USB penstick, and don’t want to spend loads on a new drive).
and I dont want to disconnect the secondary hardrive, and keep switching them...every time.
a USB - USB wire ? which connects both computers and detects the hardrive, when I am using computer 2?
on computer 2 will that usb wire when used, detect the hard drive on computer 1?
note, only PC 1 is connected to the net.
I don't want PC 2 connected to the net
Edit
Both are running Windows XP Media center edition
and the ethernet port on computer 1 is used for the router, it has a ethernet wire inserted in it.
0
Comments
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Are both PCs connected to your modem/router?0
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If they both have network sockets then pick up a cheap router/hub (your ISP modem might have more than one Network socket so you can use that.)
and a couple of Network cables and plug them both into the router.
Then "share" the Seagate Drive on the main PC.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304040
Then on the other PC you can right click on "My Computer" and select "Map Network Drive"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308582Laters
Sol
"Have you found the secrets of the universe? Asked Zebade "I'm sure I left them here somewhere"0 -
network them both, map a drive to the computer one data, and disconnect the internet connection on the router when you need access, or use a software firewall or router rules to block net access, or use a nas enclosure.
And don't put all you eggs in one basket if they aren't backed up somewhere!!
> . !!!! ----> .0 -
Then you could use an ethernet crosssover cable to directly network the two PC's. What OS are you running on each one?No free lunch, and no free laptop0
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Having Networked and on the Net are two different things! How do you run updates on the second machine?
Have both machines on home network, but configure your network router to prevent computer 2 from having access to the internet.
Use Network Shares to enable Disk 2 of PC2 to the home network..
another suggestion to save Wear on PC2, and electricity (since has to be on to share to pc1) is some form of Network Address Storage so that Hard Drive can always be shared to the network (these typically use less power than a PC).0 -
If computer 1 connects to the internet, it may well do that through its (only) Ethernet port.
So, connecting computer 2 to the internet modem/router via Ethernet, assuming it has a spare port, and networking the computers that way seems the best solution.
I fail to see why you wouldn't want computer 2 to connect to the internet if you use it for creating web pages with Dreamweaver?I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the In My Home MoneySaving, Energy and Techie Stuff boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
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you could get a usb connector to do that. I got one in maplins quite a long time ago which worked for two xp machines.
You just plug each end into a usb port and run a little program and you can see the folders on each machine and drag and drop between them.
I think it was called a bridging cable.
Anyway if you google it I expect you will find many versions.
It isnt just a normal usb cable.
Or if they both have bluetooth I think you could use that but I havent tried that myself.0 -
well sort of obvious, computer 2 run Ethernet cable back to router, map a network of the two and firewall block the net for machine 2 or do same wireless if there are cabling issues.0
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