I bought a laptop and have a wireless router so I can use the laptop out in the garage or living room etc. My need is to share files off my main desktop computer to the laptop. Is there an easy way to do this with USB cords or what? I need step by step instructions please. I've been messing with all the setup wizards and network connections, but need easier means of sharing. Help me please!!!

Open Windows Explorer
highlight the specif folder you want to share, right click your mouse while it is highlighted, Select "sharing and security"
then tell it to share the folder(s). Click OK

Also beware that since it is shared, if your wireless is not prtected/secured, anyone that can access your wireless can get those files also.

Well, I'm having a hard time configuring my computers together. Any ideas how to do this an easy way?

I need to know what version of Windows each computer is running.

Also, Is one a laptop and one a desktop/workstation? If so, will the laptop use wireless and the desktop be hardwired to the network? Are both computers on the same network and using the same internet connection? Are either of the computers using Internet Security software or a software firewall such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee internet Security Suite or similar?

The more info you can provide for me, the easier and faster I can answer your question.

Windows XP
1)yes
2)yes
3)no
4)yes

Thanks shifty

I would ask Windows XP Pro or Home - the details are different between them.

Please read this document from Microsoft. It will explain how to set things up:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

If, after reading this you still have problems OR if you feel like the content in there doesn't apply to you, please let me know and I'll try to better help BUT I will need to know what version of XP each computer is using.

XP Home~sorry I was wondering is there a way i can wire these two together like with a USB cord to share files or does it have to be done with a network connection?

I personally think the easiest way is using the network connection.

Yes, the USB thing is possible. Lots of products on the market for it like this one:

http://www.vpi.us/usb-link.html

(I don't know how it works - I use the network connection! :D)

I assume you use their supplied software to transfer the files somehow. I can't explain it, unfortunately.



This is at least one other network related link that might be of help to you:
How to setup a small network with Windows XP Home. 8 part series covering everything down to printer sharing (see links to other parts at the bottom): http://support.microsoft.com/kb/813936/

Thanks Shifty, that's what i was looking for. It's sorta like plugging in an IPOD to your computer to retrieve files. Thats what i wanted to do from my computer to laptop. Thanks for the help and links.