I need to move a large file from one laptop to another. Can I just join the two machines with an ethernet cable and create a shared folder on my desktop or is it more complicated than that?
Update
Windows versions - one laptop has XP the other is Vista
File Size - approx 10G
Modern ethernet cards will do the crossover for you, so there's no need for a "special cable". Just connect to the two machines, set an IP for them and transfer files.
Yes, you can join both PCs with a network cable and copy the file.
To do this you must set up the network, and your file shares.
Plug each end of the crossover cable into a network port on the back of each computer.
Open Network and Sharing Center (Start, Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, Network and Sharing Center)
In the network map at the top of Network and Sharing Center, double-click the Unidentified network icon.
Network discovery and file sharing are turned off.
Network computers and devices are not visible. Click to change...
and then click Turn on network discovery and file sharing.
Do this on both computers. With any luck, this is all the network set up you will need to do.
On the PC with the file, do Properties/Sharing/Share as you mentioned in a comment.
As r0ca says, the PC that wants the file can then connect with
\\name-of-pc-with-the-file\name-of-network-share
I'd rather use a portable media device like a USB HDD or USB key. You can also create a network share and then, transfer your files. It's quite easy.
Start - run: \\IP-or-computername\"Shared"
And then, paste your files.
When copying large files do NOT use windows explorer. Start a command prompt and use the copy/xcopy command.
You'd need a special kind of ethernet cable called a "crossover" cable. Far easier to borrow a hub, or use a USB stick to transfer :)
