Direct Cable Connect problem with 5150

Question

I have an Inspiron 5150 loaded with Win XP Home Edition and am trying to connect to an older Win 98 laptop with a parallel cable. First, there is no parallel port on 5150s so I am using a Manhattan USB to Parallel cable connected to a LapLink cable. My bigest problem is when I go to establish a new network connection using the New Connection Wizard and select 'Setup an Advanced Connection', the 'Connect Directly to Another Computer' is greyed out (not selectable). Is this option greyed out because 5150s have no parallel ports? How do I get this option selectable?

secrethatch · Answer

Easieste way would be to go ahead and purchase an ethernet crossover cable and connect it from one comp to another one and you should be okay to transfer the data over the cable.

Affleck · Answer

Thanks, but the other Win98 computer is so old, it does not have an ethernet card to connect to.

Affleck · Answer

It's so old, it doesn't have USB ports either. Thanks anyway. I might have figured out the problem with greyed out "Connect Directly to Another Computer" option. From another website, they describe a similar problem and the solution is to enable the "Peer-to-Peer Networking" Windows component. It is located in the Settings>Add Remove Programs>Add/Remove Window Components, then click on Networking Services and then the Details button. Select Peer-to-Peer Networking.

I don't have the 5150 here with me now so I will try it tonight and report back.

Thanks

Chris Curtis · Answer

What about a USB to USB cable     would that work?? Dell offers a great package called the Deto Intellimove suite for only $80  It is a great way to transfer files. Check it out. Good luck

Chris Curtis · Answer

good luck

Affleck · Answer

Well I had no luck in finding a 'Peer-to-Peer Networking' component to select anywhere in the Add/Remove Windows Components settings. I must have read a procedure for Win ME or Win 98. So I am still having no luck in selecting 'Connect Directly to Another Computer' when trying to establish a new connection through my parallel port. I'll keep looking though.

DELL-BobT · Answer

Affleck, I recommend looking at the suggested sites at the bottom of the Network FAQ. for possible clues on how to perform this

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Direct Cable Connect problem with 5150

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