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Thread ID: 40460 2003-12-08 22:13:00 Link from desktop to laptop BernieL (1913) Press F1
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198528 2003-12-08 22:13:00 What is a cheap, effective/reliable and simple (is there such a combination) method of linking these - one runs Windows XP Home the other XP Professional. The laptop does not have a floppy disc drive and all I want to swap are Word or Excel files.
Thanks.
BernieL (1913)
198529 2003-12-08 22:18:00 A network using a simple crossover cable would be the easiest method. If both the laptop and desktop already have network cards, the cable will probably cost you about $5 or so, depending on how long you want it. somebody (208)
198530 2003-12-08 22:20:00 Thanks.
Where do I get one from?
How do I hook it up?
What do I ask for?
Sorry for simple questions.
Thanks,
Bernie
BernieL (1913)
198531 2003-12-08 22:20:00 oor you could use Direct Connection. This uses the LPT port. Cables are fairly inexpensive i think. and it's really easy to set up. (well on win98se it is)

But if you want to share the net and such like you could use a crossover cable, should be able to with XP plug it in and set ips.
MrBeef (342)
198532 2003-12-08 22:24:00 Go down to Dick Smiths in Newmarket and pick one up. It will cost you $12 for a 1 metre cable (Part No: XH3295). Just plug them in to the network ports on your computer. It will pay to check that you have these before buying the cable.

If you don't know much about networking probably just use the networking wizard or search the forum for networking threads, there are plenty of them.

B.
Barnabas (4562)
198533 2003-12-09 00:49:00 Make sure you have got network adaptors on both machines: look at the back for "large US telephone sockets" --- with 8 connections. (The modem connectors are a 6-position version of that, usually with only 2 actual connection wires in them).

Make sure you get a crossover cable. I think Dick Smith's have red connectors.
Graham L (2)
198534 2003-12-09 00:58:00 A USB Key drive, just plugs into any usb port and acts like an removable hdd. Copy the files you want and transfer it to another PC and vice cersa.

Or you could work on the USB key files, so when ever you plug the USB key to any PC, you always have the most recent files.

Or if the files are relatively small, just send it through email. It's Free :)

CHeers
SKT174 (1319)
198535 2003-12-09 01:00:00 The usb thing is a good way to go. But it's considerably more expensive. Graham L (2)
198536 2003-12-09 01:02:00 Due to the small files and the fact that you are intending to network a laptop and a pc then i would suggest wireless.

Its inexpensive and means your laptop isn't tied to a desk.
metla (154)
198537 2003-12-09 01:12:00 Have a look at the Networking FAQ (link to FAQs top right of this page) for some good info on getting started.

Note that the FAQ may take a while to load but it will get there in the end.
Susan B (19)
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