I have completely no knowledge of networking computers,,, but i have to transfer big files from one computer to other emergency! please help me i want to network two computers with windows xp on them ! so that i could transfer files(300 megs each) from one computer to other! i dont have internet ! i have crossover cables ( like phone cables with 8 small wires inside) and an Ethernet adapter! i am not sure about any NIC cards ,if they are in my computer or not! Now my question is ~ that can i make a network or something thought this equipment so that i could connect the computer! i tried to make connection though XP but i think all kind of network connections need internet connected ???? is it true!??? please please please tell me in a little detail cuz im comletely balnk in networking!!! thanks

A ethernet adapter is a NIC. Both PC need a NIC. Connect the 2 PC with the cross over cable. (from one NIC to the other NIC.) Right click network places. select properties. select local area connection. select TCP/IP. Enter in a IP addres on both PC's. Use 10.1.1.1 with subnet 255.255.0.0 on PC1 use 10.1.1.2 with subnet 255.255.0.0 on PC2 You can also install IPX/SPX compat.. protocol to simplify things. Right click my computer, select properties. Click on the computer name tab, look at the workgroup name. (both PC's need to be in the same workgroup.) If they are not in the same workgroup click the change tab. enter in a matching workgroup name on both PC's. You should now be able to see the other PC in My Network Places as long as sharing is enabled. Share a folder on each PC to Xfer the files to with full permision to all, and away you go.

If you follow John's advice, (good advice!), make sure you are using a Crossover Cable... On the other hand, here is another idea... Can you take the HD out of one computer and slave it to the computer you want to transfer your data to??? This would be the quickest and easiest way...

I'm very new to this, and am looking to transfer files from a Dell Desktop (w-ethernet) to a Dell Inspiron 8200 (w-integrated NIC). Can I connect a phone cord (the one from my cable modem to the ethernet card on the desktop) from the desktop's ethernet card to the laptops ethernet card? And how would I go about using XP to make a connection between the computers?

No you cant use a phone cable. You need to use a cross over ethernet cable. Pich one up at your local PC shop or best buy for about $10-20 depending on th length you need, and follow reply 1.