Help

Start a discussion
UNSOLVED

mage_789

updated

22 years ago

M

mage_789

10 Posts

0

7766

June 20th, 2004 01:00

Networking two PC's

I am trying to transfer files from my Windows 98 PC to my new Windows XP PC via parallel cable.  However, I am receiving trouble trying to connect.  When I have them autodetect for a communication port (COM3), it does not respond.  Is it possible to directly connect PCs of different OS?
  • _

    _Paladin

    795 Posts

    344

    0

    Posted June 20th, 2004 13:00

    mage_789,

    First, Direct Cable Connect has always been very problematic.  The articles here may be helpful.  If both PCs have ethernet adapters, connecting them with a crossover cable and running File and Printer Sharing over TCP/IP would be much easier.

    Second, COM3 is a serial communications port.  If you have the PCs connected using the parallel ports, you should be enabling LPT1.

  • M

    mage_789

    10 Posts

    344

    0

    Posted June 20th, 2004 16:00

    In response to the second answer, the LPT1 port does not show up as an option when I try to scan for ports.  Am I supposed to do something to prior to that so it does show up?
  • _

    _Paladin

    795 Posts

    344

    0

    Posted June 20th, 2004 17:00

    mage_789,

    I have no practical experience with direct connect so I can offer little additional guidance.  The tutorials at wown.com refer to LPT1, which is definitely the parallel printer port.  Make sure LPT1 appears in the Ports section of Device Manager and is not flagged with a yellow bang.

  • J

    jmwills

    2 Intern

    •

    11984 Posts

    344

    0

    Posted June 21st, 2004 01:00

    For the time you are going to spend toruble shooting this process, you would be miles ahead using the crossover cable between the pc's directly or a regular CAT5 cable and a switch.

Dell Support Resources

Latest Solutions

View More