Here is that article referred to from a previous post. If someone could translate this into 'PC to PC', step by step, it would be fantastic. (http://www.macwindows.com/peertips.html#directmodem) Direct Modem-to-Modem Connection You can also transfer data between two computers by connecting the modems together. The advantage over the null-mode cable mentioned below is that you can use a standard telephone cable.This can be a Mac and a PC, or two Macs, or two PCs. You can use terminal emulator software to move the files. On the Mac, you can use the Communications module of ClarisWorks or a traditional terminal program, such as the shareware ZTerm. Connect the modems of the two computers with an ordinary telephone cable with RJ-11 jacks. Set the connection settings of both computers to the same settings: Baud Rate: you can set it at 57600. The modems will negotiate the speed. Parity: None Data Bits: 8 Stop Bits: 1 Handshake DTR & CTS Set the file transfer protocol for both computer to the same choice, such as Zmodem, Xmodem or Ymodem. If one doesn't work, try another. Make sure MacBinary is NOT used if you are moving the file between Mac and PC. This setting could be under "file transfer method." Use MacBinary only if going between 2 Macs. Initiate the connection. In ClarisWorks, select Open connection from the Session menu to enable you to type modem AT commands On the sending computer, type: "ATD" On the receiving computer type: "ATA" After the software indicates that a connection has been established, send the file from the sending computer. In ClarisWorks, you select Send File from the Session menu. Set the receiving computer to receive the file. In ClarisWorks, its Receive File from the Session menu. MacWindows reader Marc Herbert notes that some modems don't work properly when connected to another modem, due to differences in electrical characteristics of real a phone line and direct connection to another modem.

I remember referring someone (i think it was jboy) to this article- it worked for me , i didnt only use it for mac to pc, but pc to pc. As much as i can remember, there was nothing different that needed to be done , in fact it was easier- basically the modem dsettings referred to and x, y , or z modem protocol. I dont recall now which protocol as i used geocomm on both boxes (part of the old geoworks gui) and i dont recall which protocol it uses.I didnt have to set up anything especially different for pc, at all, so these instructions should be complete. id be interested in hearing how it worked for others tho...

Nope, not me ; ) ... although it is interesting - I've got a bucket full of obsolete modems.

Wonder who it was then...a regular, anyways... It IS interesting, isnt it..my syslink was giving me grief, direct cable clashed with my ports, but this worked really nicely ....

if i hook a laptop that only has dos, to a pc with xp can i achioev the same results? If so what software should i be using that will work between dos and xp, i have a 2000 machin and a 98 which would be better

Someone please answer this guy. I have a pc that will only boot in dos (now - had Win98) and a new laptop with XP. I need to transfer some files from the old computer in Dos to the XP machine (so I don't loose them if I must refrormat (again). Port aoption are - XP laptop usb 2.0, parallel, 56k modem & ethernet; P3 usb 1.1, 9-pin serial, parallel, 56k modem, & ethernet. Am I wrong in thinking I can forget about using the usb port if I can't load windows? Right now the old computer is so messed up it will not allow me to access my cd-writer, and I never connected to the internet with my older computers (486 & C64) so I really don't know how to connect outside of windows. I don't want to spend $70 - $80 for a cable for a one-time use.

For your problem, you should just connect the drive you want files recovered from to your working pc and extract them that way. Probably easier and faster than transfering via modem