Linking Two computers: Question for the Qeeks

[previasc96]

I have two PC towers now bcuz i just bought a new pc. I would like to ask you if you know how i can access the older compter using my Router (which is also an ethernet switch). I fiqured out how to make a shared folder that can be accessed by both computers, but i wanna be on my new pc and go into files on my older one without having two sets of keyboard and mouse and plugging out the monitor and switching it back and forth. I don't want to spend $40 on a kvm switch if I can use my Netgear wireless router.

[TurboJake]

VNC to it.

http://www.realvnc.com/

[e30vert]

Or if both PC's have Ethernet cards you can by what is called an Ethernet "Cross Over" cable. Plug that cable into both PC Ethernet cards and they form their own workgroup and can be accessed.

[HarryPotter]

Take out old hard drive put it in the computer you use, done.

[george graves]

VNC to it.
http://www.realvnc.com/

Can you use realvnc over the internet? Or does it have to be a computer on the same network?

(I just got a pogoplug pro - and love it so far)

[s0urce]

If it's running windows you can use Remote Desktop Connection. (RDP)

Just enable access on the remote computer, then from your main computer:

Start > Run > mstsc

[ssaylor]

If you're running Windows XP or higher, and they're on the same network, you don't need to buy a thing. Read HELP about file sharing. It's not rocket science.

[84driver]

VNC and RDP are total overkill. He just wants his files, not to run one computer remotely. Yes you can RDP and VNC over the internet, but you might have to make holes through your firewall. Plus you'll need a DynDNS service to find the dynamic IP of your home computer. That is a longer discussion than needed here.

OP:

HarryPotter is right. One of the easiest ways is to install the old hard drive into the new computer, if you feel comfortable. However, if this isn't done correctly the computer may get really confused about which hard drive is the 'primary' and your programs might not work right. Instead, a bit easier is to buy an external adapter for your old hard drive (like this), which will let you use the old hard drive over USB like a normal external drive and the computer won't get confused.

BUT, to answer the question you asked, yes you can share files using your router without spending any money!

Plug both computers into the router. Right click on the folder you want to share and choose Sharing Options. Set the sharing permissions so that all guests have full read & write permissions. When you go into My Network aka Network Places you should be able to find that folder and drag/drop files to/from it. (You may have to doubleclick on Workgroup, then double click on the computer name, then the folder should be shown. And maybe a printer will show too.)

This is an oversimplified example, if you post which versions of Windows you have on each computer I can give you more specific instructions.

[gstuning]

Can you use realvnc over the internet? Or does it have to be a computer on the same network?

(I just got a pogoplug pro - and love it so far)

Yes. As long as you setup the router/firewall then you can. Fundamentally anything that uses TCP/IP can be used over the internet.

[TurboJake]

VNC and RDP are total overkill. He just wants his files, not to run one computer remotely.

Really now?

but i wanna be on my new pc and go into files on my older one without having two sets of keyboard and mouse and plugging out the monitor and switching it back and forth. I don't want to spend $40 on a kvm switch if I can use my Netgear wireless router.

If it were me, I woulda yanked the HD from the beginning. But that's me.

[ivo316]

Right click on the C drive, or on:

C:/documents and Settings/(your username)/Desktop
C:/documents and Settings/(your username)/My Documents

and choose Share.

If you already managed to create a shared folder, you just do that and you will have access to all your files (unless you saved files on other folders, then you must do the same for all the others).

that's it.

To transfer your emails and contacts (if you use outlook) search for the .pst file, if you run the same office in the other computer you can just copy and paste the file, if not you will have to export and import.

BTW windows XP onwards has a user transfer utility.

good luck