Step
1 – Configure IP Addresses
Usually,
if you are using a crossover cable to connect two computers, the
computers are not connected to a LAN network. In this case, you will
need to configure static IP addresses for each computer.
You
have to make sure that both computers have IP addresses that are on
the same subnet. For example, if you give one computer an IP address
of 192.168.0.1, then you should give the second computer an IP of
192.168.0.2.
If
you used the above IP addresses, you should use a subnet mask of
255.255.255.0. If you use an incorrect subnet mask, the connection
will not work.
Lastly,
the value for the default gateway should be the same on both
machines. You can pick which IP address you want to use, but use it
on both computers for the default gateway. Below is how my setup
looks for one computer:
Step 2 – Crossover Cable
The
second thing you need to verify is that you actually have a proper
crossover cable. Basically, there are a few different types of
crossover cables, but it’s best to get the standard crossover cable
where the green and orange pairs are swapped and the brown and blue
pairs stay in the same position.
The
only pins that need to be crossed are 1,3 and 2,6. So just check your
cable on both end and make sure it matches the diagram.
Step 3 – Local User Accounts
If
you’re having problems accessing files both ways, you may have to
create a user account on each computer that has the same name and
same password. This helps get past any kind of Access is Denied
errors that may pop up.
Make
sure the accounts are administrator accounts also! It’s best to
create a new account rather than rename a current account.
Step 4 – Disable Firewalls
Finally,
you should disable the firewall on both computers to ensure that none
of the file sharing ports are being blocked. You can do this by going
to Control Panel and then Windows Firewall. Click on Off.
