I want to connect 2 PCs so that I can share data. Can this be done without being on a network? If so, how?
148672
By definition, connecting 2 PCs so that they can share data is  called creating a network. However, a simple network could be created by connecting the NIC of each computer using a crossover cable. If you don't have a NIC in one or both, I think they used to make serial crossover cables, but transfer would take forever.
270572
I would advise using a router. However, it is possible to network using USB. \nThis is a very frequently asked question.\n\nYou will need a Male to Male USB cable:\nhttp://www.mobileplanet.com/product.asp?code=EXP_USBAA\n\nYou will also need to follow the instructions on the microsoft website listed below, after you have established a USB network connection between the 2 computers.\nIt is better, though, to connect the 2 computers using a Crossover CAT5 cable, or just buy a router for $50.
815236
Run the networking wizard on both PCs. Make sure you use the same workgroup name on both systems. When done, you will need to enable file and print sharing on the systems to share documents or files. You will now see a sharing option in files and folders when you right click on them. You for instance can share the whole C drive if you desire!
620365
If you have ethernet jacks on each computer then you can get a crossover cable which will allow you to create a 2 computer LAN.  You can then setup file sharing on the old computer and just drag and drop your files onto the new computer :)
223807
You need to make a local network. And to share some files on both computers. At least you need two network cards and a RJ45 cable (crossed) or a routeur and two RJ45 cables. Then on the network properties tick the File and Printer Sharing for Miscrosoft Networks.
399906
Yes, use windows ICS.  The instructions are in the source I added.  If your two computers aren't connected through a cross over cable, you will need a switch or hub.  Then with the second nic card in the server computer connect that to the internet.  Right click on the internet connection and select internet connection sharing.\n\nBest of luck.
92691
You can network two machines via a RJ-45 to RJ-45 cable (crossover).\n\nHowever USB networking is not functional yet.
405055
use LAN cable.\nif you want to connect more than 2 computer. use a router and a hub. \nall computer can be used to acces the internet at the same time.
871332
The best and safest way for you to network your two PC's is to purchase a router with 4 port switch.\n\nUse one PC to follow the router setup wizard.\n\nYour ADSL modem will connect to the routers WAN port and the to PC's will connect to two of the routers LAN ports.\n\nOnce you have one PC successfully connected to the internet through the router use the Windows Network Setup Wizard to create your local area network.\n\nGo to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network Setup Wizard\n\nNext > select "This computer connects to the Internet through a residential gateway... > Next > give each PC a unique name > Next > Provide the SAME workgroup name for both PC's > Next > select Turn on file and printer sharing > Next > apply these settings > Next.\n\nEach PC should now have a unique name and belong to the same workgroup.  Each PC should also have Network Share folders under My Computer.  This shared folder should be visible from the other PC.\n\nTo share a specific folder on a PC go to Windows Explorer > select the folder to be shared > Right mouse click > select Sharing and Security > and follow the directions for the type of sharing you want.\n\nTo find the other networked PC go to: Windows Explorer > My Network Places > Microsoft Windows Network > [your workgroup] > and all your networked PCs associated with your workgroup should be visible.  You can now expand the PC to see what folders and devices are shared.
815117
1.set the Desktop and laptop on same workgroup.\n2. same client (on both pc)\n3,be sure the file and printer sharing had been tick (both pc)\n4.install the printer on desktop\n5. right click the printer and hit sharing and tick share the printer\non desktop PC\n6. restart....this time the pc must see each other on network\nHope it will help.
503624
If you're on the same router, enable file sharing on the directories you want each computer to share.\n\nIf you're long-distance (not in the same network), then you'll need any P2P program. Soulseek is a great one.
1175939
Assuming the dial up one is running Microsoft Windows, you simply need to connect the two computers together and "share the internet connection" (You can do it with non-Windows also, but the terminology is different)\n\nThere are a number of ways to connect the two computers together, depending on the computers, starting out with free and moving up to 20 or 50 dollars. So:\n\nIf both computers have bluetooth, they can communicate with each other that way using the "Bluetooth Networking" icons in the Network Connections folder.\n\nIf both computers have standard wireless WiFi 802.11 networking, they can communicate with each over an "ad hoc" network (instead of the normal infrastructure mode)\n\nIf both computers have ethernet adapters, you can network them together that way. Computers built in the last few years simply need a standard ehternet cable to connect together. Older models will need a "crossover" cable which is cheap, but you're unlikely to already have one and you'd have to find it. (or, you could use a "hub" or a "switch" to plug them both into.)\n\nIf both computers have Firewire, they can connect together just by plugging together. Parallel ports can also be wired together, serial ports... it's getting a little esoteric here.\n\nIn all of the above cases, You need to establish a network between the two computers, and configure it in the Network Connections folder (tell both the computers to get IP address automatically). Then (for Windows XP) you find the dialup icon in that same folder and you right click, select "Properties" and then choose the "Advanced" tab, and click "share this internet connection" and choose the appropriate connection based on whichever one you picked from the above. Doing this will cause the primary dial up computers network connect to change from being "obtain IP address automatically" to being 192.168.0.1 and also a DHCP server, which is where the other will automatically get its address from....\n\nbelieve it or not, it's all very simple you and you have it going in 5 minutes... but there are a number of steps and it's easy to get confuse and screw it up if you don't really know what you are doing... good luck. I think I've given you enough that you could search the internet for the info you need.
39568
To connect a pc directly to a pc you need a Crossover Network cable and also enable networking on both. \n\nElse, you'll have to use a router and set up LAN.
708912
Actually, I've heard that using USB cable to connect the 2 pc's to transfer files is not the recommended way of doing so.\n\nIf you have a USB removable flash memory drive, this is THE easiest and fastest way to transfer files from one pc to another (you can buy 1GB flash drive for $30! or why not a USB external Hard Drive for 80GB for $100?).\n\nIf you don't want to buy another accessory, then your other choice is to connect your 2 pc's together by using either a Null Modem Serial Cable or by using Home Networking. Then, use the "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard", which is already included in your Windows XP operating system.\n\nBut first you need to connect your two computers together. The EASIEST way to connect is to get a Null Modem Serial Cable (buy at any computer shop and they are cheap), while the FASTER way to transfer files is to use Home Networking (more complex method).\n\nUsing the Serial Cable:\nFirst, make sure both pc's have an available serial port (aka COM port). Most new computers have a 9-pin port and most new cables have a 9-pin plug. If you have a 25-pin port on the computer, you'll need to buy an adaptor for the cable. If you have more than one port to plug the serial cable into the computer, just pick one of the ports and plug the serial cable in. The Files And Settings Transfer Wizard will automatically detect the connection later.\n\nHome Networking:\nIf you are planning to keep both your old computer and your new computer, you may want to just create a Home network. \nFirst make sure both computers have a Network Interface Card (NIC) or a USB network interface installed. You'll need a network cable and to buy a hub (If you have wireless, you won't need a cable or a hub). Now, run the "Network Setup Wizard" to set up your Home network (Start menu, All Programs, Accessories, Communications).\n\nAfter you have decided which method to take, and you have connected both computers, run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (Start menu, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools). The rest is pretty self-explanatory, but if you do get stuck, here's a link for more help: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/crawford_november12.mspx\n(scroll a little down for the relevant section)\n\nGood Luck!
791743
yes you can use a ethernet wire to connect the two computers, and then run the windows application to make one run from another.
118169
You mean using internet? Or just pc to cp?\n\nIf just pc to cp, you need to have a bluetooth device for both gadgets so that you can share files with each gadget. Most cp's have built in bluetooth but for pc's you have to buy...a lot are availbale in the martket
759634
Here is a step by step I wrote for someone wanting to make a network between 2 desktops and a laptop...\n\nThe following requires a ROUTER... \n\nFollow these steps...\n\n#1 Make sure all computers are set up properly via network. To do this you must do the following...\n\nOPEN MY COMPUTER> BROWSE TO DESKTOP> find "MY NETWORK PLACES" inside this box, find the item that says NETWORK SETUP WIZARD... open it...\nClick Next on the first window.\nClick next on the second,\nWhen you see the window that has 3 options, choose "OTHER" and when it goes to the next window choose the TOP OPTION, which should say "THIS COMPUTER CONNECTS DIRECTY TO THE INTERNET THROUGH A NETWORK OR HUB, OTHER COMPUTERS ALSO CONNECT VIA HUB"\nClick next, and name the pcs whatever you want so you can identify them.\nClick next, then specify the WORKGROUP NAME, which must be the same on all computers, MSHOME is the defualt which is fine. Then click next\nThen click "TURN ON FILE AND PRINT SHARING"\nThen click next\nClick next again.\nThen let it finish, then click JUST FINISH THE WIZARD I DONT NEED TO RUN THE WIZARD ON OTHER COMPUTERS.\nThen click FINISH.\n\n\nYou must do the above steps on all 3 computers to ensure they all are using the same type of settings.\n\nAlso after the step is done and you restart each machine, go to START>CONTROL PANEL< and make sure WINDOWS FIREWALL is turned off on each machine. When you turn on file and print sharing, by default the windows firewall will turn on...\n\nYou do not need windows firewall, it sucks, and you have a router which is a firewall in itself.\n\nStep #2\nMake sure the printer you want to share is either plugged into the router, or into one of your computers. Most likely its already installed on one of your computers...\n\nOn the computer you have the printer hooked up to, click START>CONTROL PANEL, find PRINTERS AND FAXES and when this window opens, find the printer you are using, right click the printer and choose SHARING make sure SHARE THIS PRINTER button is chosen. Choose a name for the printer and click OK... Just click OK to any other things it asks you.\n\nRestart all 3 computers to refresh the network... Usually the other computers will auto detect the Network shared Printer, but if they do not, then go to step #3.\n\nStep #3 Go to the 2 computers that the printer is not hooked up to, click START> CONTROL PANEL> PRINTERS AND FAXES and if you do not see the printer listed, click ADD PRINTER.\nWhen the window opens, click NEXT, then click the dot next to "A NETWORK PRINTER OR A PRINTER ATTACHED TO ANOTHER COMPUTER".\nThen click next.\nThen click BROWSE FOR PRINTER.\nThen it may scan for a bit, may even freeze up for a moment, then you should see the name of the other 2 computers you are not using, or the name of the computer that has the printer hooked up to it...\n\nCollapse the computer that has the printer connected to it, till you see the SHARED printer and its NAME. Double click it.\n\nIt may have a window message that says YOU ARE ABOUT TO CONNECT TO A PRINTER...ETC... Just click OK OR YES, then in the next window, click SET THIS PRINTER AS DEFAULT PRINTER>... then click NEXT and then click FINISH...\n\nNOW YOU ARE ready to use a single printer on any of the 3 computers...\n\n\n#4 To share files in general: Refer back to step #2... Except that this time you need to use the computers SHARED FOLDER, or create a folder in MY DOCUMENTS, or simply right click MY DOCUMENTS and click PROPERTIES then choose SHARING and then SHARE THIS FOLDER ON THE NETWORK, ALLOW USERS to change my files, is optional to you.\n\nThen click ok...\n\nNow any file in MY DOCUMENTS can be shared among computers...\n\nNote: If you allow users to change your files, they can delete crap from another computer, rename it, or possible move it. If you do not select the allowing users to change files option, the only thing they can do, is grab the file off the ma