connecting new desktop to laptop?

[jwgallucci]

The two are connected with a usb transfer cable, but I can't figure out how to find the laptop and transfer files.

Anyone know? Windows platform.

 

[Jiniix]

You can't just plug a USB cable in both of them and transfer. You could with an ethernet cable, but there are easier ways.
Are they both connected to the same internet? If so, you should be able to enable/use sharing, ie. transferring over your local router.
This should also be faster than USB, as it's running off a different interface.

http://www.wikihow.com/Enable-File-Sharing
This guide seems pretty easy to follow if you've never done it before.

 

[jwgallucci]

thank you, I tried it, but confused. I shared a folder from my laptop and my new computer won't see it. Both computers are online, on the same network. Frustrated.

 

[johnb35]

What operating systems are they running?

 

[_Pete_]

I would think the easiest way is to use a crossover ethernet cable. http://helpdeskgeek.com/networking/connect-two-computers-using-a-crossover-cable/

 

[jwgallucci]

resolved, thanks everyone. I got my cable to work. Files transferred. I thought the program files would work after transferring, but they don't.

 

[johnb35]

I thought the program files would work after transferring, but they don't.

Any programs would have to reinstalled on the new machine. Very few programs work stand alone. Most programs install other system files required to make the program work correctly.

 

[strollin]

I would think the easiest way is to use a crossover ethernet cable. http://helpdeskgeek.com/networking/connect-two-computers-using-a-crossover-cable/

Unless the computers have NICs over 10 years old, crossover cables aren't needed any longer. Modern NICs autosense and do the crossover internally.