How to Share Files Between Two Computers

Introduction

WELCOME This article will explain the simplest method of sharing music and files between two computers running Windows XP Home. (Pro is only slightly different under the sharing tab)

By: palthainon

Length: 0:47

Comments: 2

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Instructions

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Difficulty: Easy

Tips & Warnings:

One nice feature about itunes is that you can select the music or movies you want to send to someone else's computer and just drag them to a window pulled up using \\computername
Make sure that file sharing is permitted on the interface (Control Panel>Network Connections>Local Area Connection and check the box)
Make sure it is permitted through the windows firewall (Control Panel>Windows Firewall>Exceptions and check File Sharing)

Step1

A Crossover Cable Pinout For the Crossover cable simply connect both machines at the Ethernet port. If using a hub then connect both computers to any available port (avoid the Uplink port if there is one). If using a wireless router than plug the router into A/C power and connect using your wireless network manager.

Step2

Right click My Computer on each machine and click the tab labeled Computer Name. From here write down the username (if its on a domain leave out the domain name)

Step3

Enable file sharing on the folders you want to share by right clicking any of the folders and selecting "Sharing and Security..." From here Click the "I Understand..." in the center of the window and then click "Allow others to view my Files" and "Allow others to change my files" on both computers.

Step4

If guest accounts are enabled (Control Panel>Users and Accounts) then you should be allowed in. If not simply type in the user name and password it asks for using this format workgroup\username and then the password.

Step5

Now open My Computer again and in the address bar type in the following format: \\computername So if the computer name was SharonPC you'd type \\SharonPC

Step6

Also, if the \\computername doesn't work try using the IP address. Simply double click the connection in the network connection folders and select the support tab. Then open My Computer and type \\192.168.1.100 or whatever IP is listed. (remember, when you do this you should find the IP of the computer you are trying to reach; not your own.)

Step7

*Check the Warnings! for this page. If guest accounts are enabled (Control Panel>Users and Accounts) then you should be allowed in. If not simply type in the user name and password it asks for using this format workgroup\username and then the password.

Step8

You can now simply right click the file you want to send or receive and choose "Copy" and then paste it to your desktop or a folder you have chosen.

Comments

palthainon said

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on 1/15/2008 No problem. Glad to assist!

nikkirosety said

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on 12/19/2007 THANK YOU!!! I'm sharing files between a PC desktop and a Mac laptop. Didn't have to do anything with the Mac, it just recognized the PC... on the PC, I had to enable sharing for the folders I wanted. Great job. =] Greatly appreciated.