How to Setup a Direct Cable Crossover Ethernet Connection in Windows XP
Computers may be connected in a variety of ways using Windows XP. The most common way is through a network that usually includes a router or hub as a centralized location for the network to communicate through. Another common way is to use the built-in remote desktop feature to connect to an XP machine over the Internet. However, when only two workstations need to be connected for a short time and are in close proximity, a crossover cable may be used to make a direct Ethernet connection.
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Instructions
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1
Connect the two computers via the Ethernet crossover cable.
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2
Open the "Control Panel" on one of the computers and click on "Network Setup Wizard." This computer is referred to as computer 1 in subsequent steps and the other computer will be computer 2.
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3
Press "Next" on the first three screens of the wizard.
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4
Choose the second option in the "Select a connection method" screen which tells the wizard that this computer connects via a router or other method. Press "Next."
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5
Enter a description and a name for computer 1 and press "Next."
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6
Specify a name for the "workgroup," the network, the computers will operate on. This name must be the same used for computer 2 so write it down. Press "Next" to continue.
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7
Enable file and print sharing by selecting the first option and click "Next."
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8
Click "Next" to initiate the wizard configuration process and wait for it to finish.
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9
Choose "Just finish the wizard; I don't need to run the wizard on other computers," click "Next" and then "Finish" in the following window to finish the Network Wizard Setup.
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10
Repeat Steps 2 through 9 on computer 2. Be sure to type the "workgroup" name exactly as it appeared on computer 1.
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11
Open "My Network Places" from the "Start" menu on either computer to explore the shared files of the other computer.
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References
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