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
- From the
Startmenu, selectSettings, thenNetwork Connections.Note: The Windows XP default desktop view and
Startmenu 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? - Under "Network Tasks", choose
Create a new connection, and then clickNext.
- Select
Setup an advanced connection. ClickNext.
- Select
Connect directly to another computer. ClickNext.
- 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,
HostorGuest, and then clickNext.
- 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. - 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.
- 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
- From the
Startmenu, selectSettings, thenControl Panel.
- Double-click
Network and Dial-up Connections.
- The Network Connection Wizard will start. Click
Next.
- Select
Connect directly to another computer, and then clickNext.
- 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
Hosthere. Otherwise, selectGuest.
- 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 clickNext.
- 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
Addto 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 clickNext.
- Enter a name for the connection, and then click
Finish.
Windows 95, 98, and Me
- Make sure you have Direct Cable Connection installed:
- From the
Startmenu, selectSettings, and thenControl Panel. - Double-click
Add/Remove Programs. - Click the
Windows Setuptab, and then selectCommunications, thenDetails. - You should see a list that contains
Direct Cable Connection. If it is not checked, check it, and then clickOK. You may be prompted for your Windows CD.
- From the
- 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.
- After the program is installed, click the
Startbutton and selectPrograms, thenAccessories, thenCommunications, and thenDirect Cable Connection.
- 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
Hostand thenNext.
- 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.
- At this point, you may see a prompt about
Files and Print Sharing, which you must enable in order to transfer files. IfFile and Print Sharingis already installed, just clickNext. 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 installFile and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks. - 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?
- 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?
Last modified on November 20, 2007.






