How to send files via lan between two computers

windows-7 networking windows-xp lan file-transfer

90,942

On the machine where you shared the folder, open the command prompt or type CMD in run (to open RUN in Windows use Key+R). Then type ipconfig (followed by enter) so you will get the IP-Address of that machine. Now go to another PC and open the run again and type \\ followed by the found IP-Address and press enter.

For instance:

\\192.168.15.1 and press enter

Remember to replace 192.168.15.1 with the IP-Address you found on the main-machine.

Edit:

You do need to enable the firewall to let traffic for file-sharing through.
For ESET Smart Security you can look here for the settings to allow file-sharing etc.

90,942

user2543574

Updated on September 18, 2022

Comments

user2543574 over 1 year

Does anyone know a software which allows you to send files between two computers connected directly via lan cable (machines run WinXp and Win7)? I've already tried to use shared files and folders feature but machines doesn't recognise each other. Both machines have the same workgroup and unique names. Shared internet connection does work however.
- Tog over 10 years
  
  Do you want to send or copy files? Have you tried using the xcopy or copy command in the CLI? e.g. copy 'file' '\\ipaddress\path\'?
- user2543574 over 10 years
  
  @Tog still doesn't work. it says: path not found
- Tog over 10 years
  
  Have you tried simple file sharing? For Win7: home-network-help.com/file-sharing-in-windows-7.html For WinXP just enable it in the folder options (view tab). Be warned, simple file sharing is insecure so it's not suitable for use on a public network.
- user2543574 over 10 years
  
  @Tog as i already said: yes i have. but with no good((
- xstnc over 10 years
  
  What IPs/subnet do the machines have?
- user2543574 over 10 years
  
  @xstnc winxp (server) ip: 192.168.0.1, mask: 255.255.255.0, win7 (client) is configured to get everything automatically. only this configuration works fine.
- Rik over 10 years
  
  So you shared a folder on winxp? Can you ping the Winxp machine from the win7 (ping -4 192.168.0.1)? And what is the ip and mask of the Win7 machine (ipconfig)?
- user2543574 over 10 years
  
  @Rik well i have exectuted both commands on win7 machine.. ping -4 192.168.0.1: timeout, 100% data loss. ipconfig: ip: 192.168.0.14, mask: 255.255.255.0, gateway: 192.168.0.1 (gateway on win7 is the same as ip on winxp, as far as i know it's a good sign, right?)
- Rik over 10 years
  
  @user2543574 Well. The gateway should be ok if you're running the DHCP-server on Winxp (via ICS). But the fact you can't ping 192.168.0.1 is not good. could you temporarily disable the firewall in Winxp to see if it helps. Maybe the file-sharing in it is check off (by accident). After disabling the firewall you should be able to do the ping -4 192.168.0.1 on the Win7 machine (without timeout). Just for clarification how are the PC's connected? I take it you have 2 network adapters in the Winxp machine of which one is connected to the internet and the other to the Win7?
- user2543574 over 10 years
  
  @Rik WHOA!! it did ping)) i disabled firewall (eset smart security 6, windows firewall was already disabled) and now i have no timeout. yes, i have winxp with two lan ports and win7 with one.
- Rik over 10 years
  
  @user2543574 Can you do a \\192.168.0.1 in the run-dialog and see the Winxp shares? If you do then you need to look for an option in eset smart security to enable file sharing (or disable all the checking on the second network adapter).
- user2543574 over 10 years
  
  @Rik file sharing works fine now! thank you guys! but what with firewall?
- Rik over 10 years
  
  @user2543574 You can look here for the settings in eset smart security to allow file-sharing etc. I'll add a note to Kirk's answer so you can accept his.
user2543574 over 10 years

thanks. but nope. it says: network path not found.
gronostaj over 10 years

Have you double checked computer names and workgroups? Try restarting both PCs.
user2543574 over 10 years

yes i did (more than twice)) both machines have WORKGROUP workgroup and unique names. some told me that widows firewall can be naughty sometimes. could it be that windows firewall doesn't let me do my business?
gronostaj over 10 years

I don't think so, Windows Firewall is configured to allow file sharing out of the box. Which computer is the one sharing internet connection?
user2543574 over 10 years

of course. sorry. winxp is sharing internet connection (is being a server for win7) while win7 is unable to give internet connection to winxp. i don't know why. winxp simply doesn't open any site on the web.
gronostaj over 10 years

I've been setting up ICS from Vista to XP once and had the same problem. I'm not sure what fixed it, but once ICS was working file sharing started to work too. Are you using static IP on the client? If not, then it's worth giving it a try. Switching back to DHCP may work later.
gronostaj over 10 years

let us continue this discussion in chat
Jose Manuel Abarca Rodríguez about 9 years

Would you know how to do it with command prompt? Something like "copy \\192.168.1.218\c:\myfile.txt". Is such thing possible?
Andy almost 9 years

@JoseManuelAbarcaRodríguez a colon is not allowed in a UNC path. You'd replace a colon with $ . C$ only works though if you know an admin account on the remote computer.