How to Share Files With a Crossover Cable on XP
Sometimes you need to share files between two computers and it is inconvenient to burn the files to a CD, DVD or flash drive because of the size or number of files that must be shared. When this happens the computers are not currently networked, sharing the files via a crossover cable is a simple solution.
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Instructions
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1
Connect one end of the crossover cable to computer No. 1 and one end to computer No. 2.
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2
Open "My Computer" on computer No. 1. If the icon is not on your desktop, go to "Start" and "My Computer" is listed on the main menu. Alternate click (this is usually a right click) on the main drive of your computer and select "Sharing and Security." You may receive a warning that you are putting your computer at risk. You will have to click on the message if you want to proceed.
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3
Check the box for "Share this Folder on the Network" and complete the "Share Name" and click the box to allow other users to change your files if you so desire.
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4
Alternate click on "My Computer," select "Properties" and then click the "Computer Name" tab. Look for your computer's name and write this down.
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5
On computer No. 2, alternate click on "My Computer" and select "Map Network Drive." In the box, type Computer1\SharedDrive, where "Computer1" is the name written down in Step 4 and "SharedDrive" is the name chosen in Step 3.
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You should now be able to click on "My Computer" and see a new drive name "SharedDrive on Computer1" with the name being adjusted as you chose.
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Tips & Warnings
This type of file sharing will work on Windows XP Home and Professional, and Vista. The steps can be repeated for additional drives on the computer. These same steps can be completed on the reverse machines to make the files on the other computer accessible.
