I want to transfer files from my Windows 7 PC to my Windows 8.1 laptop. Both are connected to the same ISP's router. The ISP only allows IPv4 addresses.

Using Windows 7, I start Windows Easy Transfer and ask for a network transfer and select 'This is my old computer'. It gives me a 7 character key which I should enter into my Win 8.1 Easy Transfer.

Unfortunately, in Win 8.1 Easy Transfer I have only 2 available answers to the question "Have you already used Windows Easy Transfer to save your files from the other PC?

1. If you've saved your files to an external hard drive or USB key, connect it now.

2. If you haven't, go to the other PC and do it now.

I don't get any option to enter the key from my Win 7 PC.

I have a cross-over network cable if that's of any use? How do I transfer the data?

If you have a user account on each computer with the same Name and PW you shouldn't have a problem accessing files either way.

If you want to import the user account and everything with it, then you'll need external storage.

If you use easy transfer, opt for the selective mode, unless you have exactly the same applications (Desktop and Windows Store) on both computers.