How to Connect a Laptop to a PC
A desktop PC for home use and a laptop for portability equals the best of both worlds in terms of performance and convenience. Now that you have two computers, you'll want to network them so you can share files easily. The two easiest ways to do this are via a direct physical connection using a crossover cable and a wireless connection. Follow the steps below to connect your laptop to a PC.
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Instructions
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Using Wireless Network
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1
Create a wireless ad hoc network. Open network connections on the desktop PC and double click on wireless connections.
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2
Click on the "Advanced" tab and select "Computer to computer (ad hoc)" networks only. Clear the "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks" box if it is selected.
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3
Click the "Wireless Networks" tab.
Under "Preferred Networks," click "Add."
In the "Wireless Network Properties" dialog box, type in a Network name--any name--but use the same one on both computers. -
4
Open "Network Connections" on the laptop.
Click "View Wireless Networks."
The new ad hoc network "nameyouselected" is listed. Highlight the network name, and then click "Configure." Click "OK." -
5
Run the Network Setup Wizard on both computers.
Enable "File & Printer Sharing."
Reboot each machine and you should be good to go for file sharing between your PC and laptop. Right click folders you want to share and select "sharing" to share files.
Using Ethernet Crossover Cable
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6
Connect the crossover cable from your LAN Ethernet port on your PC to your LAN Ethernet port on your laptop.
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7
Run the Network Setup Wizard on the desktop PC. Click Start > Control Panel > Network And Internet Connections > Setup Or Change Your Home Or Small Office Network.
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8
Follow the onscreen instructions to create your network. Run the wizard on your laptop.
Enable "File & Printer Sharing."
Reboot each machine and you should be good to go for file sharing between your PC and laptop.
Right click folders you want to share and select "sharing" to share files. -
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Look for shared files under "My network places."
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