How do I network a laptop to a desktop?

[scottluebke2003]

I want to network my friends laptop to my desktop so that we can burn some of his files onto CD-R. How do I go about setting this up?

We both use XP Home.

[holoflux]

I don't even think you need a router - just use a single network cable to join the two machines together, then use the home network wizard in XP to set up the connection. Share the folders that you want to transfer, then browse for them using 'My Nerwork Places'.

[chronk]

1) 3 physical ways not including wireless - You will need a crossover cable or a hub or router.

Lowest cost:
You can connect directly between NICs if you use a cross-over CAT-5 or 6 cable.

2) Use home network wizard

3) Enable sharing for the hard drives or folders you want to share. Right click on a drive or folder in Explorer and choose Sharing.


Here is a Microsoft article which provides information on networking two Win XP Home machines.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;318030

[scottluebke2003]

Thanks. I have onboard LAN on my desktop, is that gonna work?

[mdbusa_2000]

Yes your onboard lan should work. Of course the laptop will also need lan adapter. Crossover cable is easiest.

Another way to do it would be to take out the laptop harddisk and put it into your desktop. You'll need a special adapter to connect to your IDE cable.

[Midknyte]

next time, put your thread in the proper forum. we have one specifically for networking.

for two computers, just run a crossover cable between them. make sure both are in the same workgroup. use the same username and password just to make things easier. You'll have to set static IPs or use Netbeui. Netbeui is probably easier, but you have to do a special install on XP systems.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;Q301041

[scottluebke2003]

The networking forum is one of those that I never visit. I entirely forgot it was there.

[Midknyte]

I don't mean to give you a hard time. You're just more likely to find the right help if you post your thread in the proper forum. Ciao.