I have a laptop connected to a desktop through the serial port. The connection is made and the network established, yet I can not find the files from either computer on the other one (I thought the PCs would detect each other and be seen as another drive in the My Computer Folder along with C: and the like). So I try to use the files and transfer wizard, but the computers are not detecting each other, when they are already networked? What am I doing wrong?Both computers are running windows xp sp3 and internet explorer 8.1 person needs an answerI do too

You can try program called FastLynx.http://download.cnet.com/FastLynx/3000-2248_4-10068284.htmlIf you are transferring full hard drive, then it might be faster (2-3x) to put your drive (A) into the computer(B) that is receiving the data as a SECONDARY or SLAVE drive. It will take you approx 5 minute to put drive in computer B, couple of reboots, and then you can migrate whole hard drive.Because serial port is slow (max 192kbps), think 8GB USB2 drive (@ $10). USB2 transfers data @2MB/s.But I would use a program called Roadkil's Unstoppable Copier to do data transfer: (1) it uses DMA, thus bypassing buffering (2) it validates "packet" transferred by MD5 hash so that your data written is accurate.But I prefer Primary-Secondary approach since you do not intervene once migration starts.Can you believe that USB2 (A:B) cables cost $10, but USB2 (A:A) cable cost $40? http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Easy-Transfer-Cable-Windows/dp/B002PAR0AQ/ref=pd_cp_e_1but 1TB external HD cost $59 @ MicroCenter.com

HiYou probably have to configure the File Sharing on both computers.Make sure that the Software Firewall on each computer allows free local traffic. If you use 3rd party Firewall On, Vista/XP Native Firewall should be Off, and the active Firewall has to adjusted to your Network IP numbers on what is some time called the Trusted Zone (consult your 3rd Party Firewall instructionsGeneral example, http://www.ezlan.net/faq#trustedPlease Note that some 3rd party Software Firewalls keep blocking aspects of Local Traffic even it they are turned Off (disabled). If possible configure the Firewall correctly, or totally uninstall it to allow clean flow of local network traffic. If the 3rd party software is uninstalled or disables, make sure that Windows native Firewall is On .Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspxWindows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP -http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357In Win XP pro you can Visually see the Permission/Security setting, and configure them to your liking.http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/accesscontrol.mspx#securityTabWhen finished with the setting of the system it is advisable to Reboot all the hardware including the Router and all computers involved. Jack-MVP Windows Networking. WWW.EZLAN.NET

Thanks to both replies to my question but neither of them helped me.I guess in a nut shell I need to find step by step instructions on how to transfer files between windows xp home version 5.1 service pack 3 w2ith internet explorer 8, to a pc using the same except it has xp pro. I am using the serial cable to do nthe transfer because I do not want to spend the money on any file transfer programs or cables or networks (can't spend actually). I checked azll the firewall settings and files sharing settings and they are supposedly ready to go. I will not be removing the laptops hard drive in order to slave it to the pc. I'm not even sure that is possible? I guess if the laptop's hard drivge had matching connectors for the cable on the pc but guess what... they don't. (And there's that "Can't spend"dilema again)I found instructions after instructions after instructions online, was up to almost six am this morning trying to find the answer. The closest I found had me bouncing back and forth between file wizards but told me to do a step that my pc wouldn't allow. It wanted me to select home network but my wizard wouldn't even give me that selection!So here I sit broken hearted! Royaly fed up and disgusted! HELP!

Hihttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/305621 Jack-MVP Windows Networking. WWW.EZLAN.NET

OK, you sent me the first thing I did, and what has lead me to the dilema I am in. I have made the connections of guest and host and followed thgose instructuions and even had the pcs connected with the little computer screen icons flashing and telling me there is data going to and from the two pcs. But, how do i get to the files after that? The files and settings transfer wizard has proven to be absolutely worthless.

HiIf there is a connection, and the sharing are working you use Windows Explorer to copy file, by clicking on the Network.Unfortunately I am doing it from memory, I do not have the technical capacity to set serial transfer any more. This form of transfer is generally Not used any more for many years.If both computers can get to the Internet open a free account with Microsoft Sky Drive.Upload the Files to Sky drive and download them to the second computer.http://explore.live.com/windows-live-skydrive?wa=wsignin1.0Otherwise, I understand that you have funds sittuation.However, using inexpensive USB transfer cable might be a the way to go.Example, http://www.amazon.com/Smart-PC-Link-111B-V1-Transfer-Cable/dp/B002EDWWAC Jack-MVP Windows Networking. WWW.EZLAN.NET