In Windows, how do I use Direct Cable Connection to connect two computers?

You can use Direct Cable Connection in Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, and XP.

Here is what you will need to use Direct Cable Connection to connect two computers:

• Windows must be installed on each computer. However, you are not restricted to using the same version of Windows on both computers. (For example, you could connect a Windows 95 computer to a Windows 2000 computer, or a Windows XP computer to a Windows 98 computer.)
  
  
• Direct Cable Connection must be installed on both computers.
  
  
• You must have a bi-directional serial or parallel port cable, or a null modem cable.

Follow the appropriate directions below to make the cable connection:

Windows XP

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, then Network Connections.

   Note: The Windows XP default desktop view and Start menu are different from the Windows Classic View (e.g., in Windows 2000). Therefore, navigating to certain items can be different. In the interest of broad applicability, most Knowledge Base instructions assume you are using Classic View. For information about switching your Windows XP default view to Classic View, see In Windows XP, how do I switch to the Windows Classic View, Classic theme, or Classic Control Panel?

2. Under "Network Tasks", choose Create a new connection, and then click Next.
   
   
3. Select Setup an advanced connection. Click Next.
   
   
4. Select Connect directly to another computer. Click Next.
   
   
5. One of the two computers has to be set up as the Host and the other as the Guest. The Host is the computer that has the files or resources that you want to transfer, and the Guest is the computer to which you will transfer the files or resources. Choose which role this computer will play in the transfer, Host or Guest, and then click Next.
   
   
6. If this computer will be a Host, select which port and cable you want to use for this connection; the Wizard phrases this by asking you to choose the "Device". Choose the proper one; for example, if you're using a parallel cable for the connection, choose Direct Parallel (LPT1).

   If this computer will be a Guest, you will see a page that prompts you to type the Name of the ISP. You need to type a name for this connection, such as the name of the Host computer. You may select any name you want. Do not worry about what Internet service provider the Host computer uses for general Internet use, because for the purposes of Direct Cable Connection, the Host computer is the ISP for the Guest computer.

   Click Next.

7. If this computer will be a Host, you will select the users who can use this connection. If this computer will be a Guest, you will choose whether other users can use this connection, or if it should be restricted to just you. Make your selection, and then click Next.
   
   
8. If this computer is a Guest, you have the opportunity to check a box that will place a shortcut for the connection on the desktop. If this computer is a Host, that option is not available. In both cases, this is the last page. Click Finish.

Windows 2000

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, then Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click Network and Dial-up Connections.
   
   
3. The Network Connection Wizard will start. Click Next.
   
   
4. Select Connect directly to another computer, and then click Next.
   
   
5. One of the two computers has to be set up as the Host and the other as the Guest. The Host is the computer that has the files or resources that you want to transfer, and the Guest is the computer to which you will transfer the files or resources. If this computer will be the Host, then select Host here. Otherwise, select Guest.
   
   
6. Select which port and cable you want to use for this connection; the Wizard phrases this by asking you to choose the "Device". Choose the proper one; for example, if you're using a parallel cable for the connection, choose Direct Parallel (LPT1), and then click Next.
   
   
7. If you're setting this computer up as the Host, you will now specify which users can connect to the computer. You may select any of the ones listed, or you may click Add to create a new one. If you are setting this computer up as the Guest, you will now specify whether all users can use this connection, or if it is reserved for only yourself. Select one and click Next.
   
   
8. Enter a name for the connection, and then click Finish.

Windows 95, 98, and Me

1. Make sure you have Direct Cable Connection installed:
   
   
   1. From the Start menu, select Settings, and then Control Panel.
   2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
   3. Click the Windows Setup tab, and then select Communications, then Details.
   4. You should see a list that contains Direct Cable Connection. If it is not checked, check it, and then click OK. You may be prompted for your Windows CD.
   
   
2. Shut down the computers and run the cable mentioned above between them. You need to attach the cable to the same type of port on both ends; i.e., if it is connected to the parallel port on one computer, it cannot be connected to the serial port of the other. Restart the computers.
   
   
3. After the program is installed, click the Start button and select Programs, then Accessories, then Communications, and then Direct Cable Connection.
   
   
4. One of the two computers has to be set up as the Host and the other as the Guest. The Host is the computer that has the files or resources that you want to transfer, and the Guest is the computer to which you will transfer the files or resources. To set up the Host, select Host and then Next.
   
   
5. The program will prompt you for which port you want to use to transfer. You must use the same on both computers. Select the port, and then click Next.
   
   
6. At this point, you may see a prompt about Files and Print Sharing, which you must enable in order to transfer files. If File and Print Sharing is already installed, just click Next. If it is not, follow the directions to install it, which will require restarting the computer.

   Note: If you are connected to the Indiana University network, do not install File and Print Sharing for NetWare Networks. Make sure you install File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks.

7. If you have not yet shared a folder, the Wizard will prompt you to do so. Otherwise, you will proceed to the next step. For more information on sharing folders, see How do I set up Windows 95, 98, and Me computers to share hard drive space and printers?
   
   
8. You now have the option to set a password. After you have done that, click Finish.

Also see:

• How do I set up Windows 95, 98, and Me computers to share hard drive space and printers?
• Over Ethernet, how can I connect two computers without using a hub, switch, or existing network?
• How can I troubleshoot my Direct Cable Connection problems?