Data transfer direct from PC to PC

I read the recommended posts about this and would like to clear a few things up, I have a spare ethernet cable and a multi port router, if I want to connect a pc to another so I can transfer data direct for a backup or something, do I connect to the router and the PC will show up on the network somehow? Or do I connect the ethernet directly? After this, then what, where do I look for the other PC?

The only experience I have with this is my PC finding my Xbox 360 automatically. Otherwise, I need to know where in XP to look.

Thank you.

 

Generally there are 2 types of cables, there is the most common one now that you connect to your modem or router with and then there are "crossover" cables, which allow you to connect one PC to another directly:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet_crossover_cable

You can use the router and then network 2 PC's but I don't have a clue how and use a "crossover" cable and then use windows to configure file sharing between the 2. Hopefully someone with more experience will help explain the router option.

 

If you are connecting the computers on limited basis, the direct connection using the ethernet cable is the simplest and easiest way to accomplish. You may not necessarily need a cross over cable as most newer NICs will detect and use the standard cable anyway even if direct connected. You would still need to set up a network to share files even with direct connection.
If you want to share files on a regular basis, set up a network using the router and gain the benefit of an internet connection for the second computer that does not rely on Internet Connection Sharing from the first comp.

Use the following links to help you set up your network connection -
Direct Connection
Network Set Up

The main thing to remember is the "Workgroup name" has to be the same for both comps and you may need the same user account on both comps with the same password (even if the password is blank). You may also have to "allow" the network in the settings of your firewall if you are running a third party firewall. (This would be in the network or trust settings of the firewall.)
Also, if one comp is running Vista as opposed to both running XP there may be additional patches needed to make sure the network sees everything assigned to it.

If you have any questions, post back.
Good Luck

 

Thank you Ibmest, can you recommend a tutorial that would show how to connect to a PC on the same router hub so I can just plug the new one into the router?

I am looking for something better than I would find on a Google search, thanks.

 

Hi All,

Cross over cable goes from one PC to another. Standard (Straight though) cables go from PC to router and router to the other PC. XP will set it up for you. No internet is needed.

Jim