How to Connect Two Laptops Through a LAN

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Obtain a network crossover cable.

   This is a type of Ethernet cable used for connecting two computers to one another.
   
   If you have an older computer, you must use a crossover cable.
   
   A regular ethernet cable will not work on older computers.
   
   There is no aesthetic difference between the two cables.
   
   Ask your store representative to find you a cross over cable just to be safe.
2. 2

   Step 2: Plug each end of the cable into a network port of each laptop.

   The network port is what you connect your Ethernet cable to usually.
   
   The cable will click when successfully connected to the network port.
   
   Note that some newer laptops do not have a network port.
   
   Some laptop manufacturers have decided not to include a network port so that the laptop is thinner or lighter.
   
   If this is the case for your laptop, please move on to the method dealing with wireless connections. , Depending on your version of Windows, this will be found in different areas.
   
   Windows 8:
   Press the Windows button (Start button) to the left of the Alt key.
   
   Then, type "Control Panel." Press the icon when it appears below the text field.
   
   Windows 7, Vista, and XP:
   Press the Windows button (Start button) to the left of the Alt key.
   
   Then, type "Control Panel." Press the icon when it appears above the text field.
   
   You can also open up the Start menu by pressing the icon in the bottom left of your screen. , In the Control Panel of both computers, search for "System" in the search box in the upper right of the window.
   
   Click on the System header.
   
   You should see information about your computer such as Manufacturer, Model, etc.
   
   Scroll down to the "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings." Click on the "change settings" link within that category.
   
   A new window should pop up titled "System Properties." Within this window, click the Change button at the bottom of the window.
   
   Enter in the same name for the workgroup on both PCs.
   
   It does not matter what the name is, as long as both computers use the same workgroup name. , This category houses all options for modifying your network connection.
   
   This may be easiest to find if you simply type it in to the search box in the upper right of the Control Panel window.
   
   In the "Network and Sharing Center," click on "Change Adapter Settings" in the left side of the window. , Search for it in the search box in the upper right corner of the window. , , Then, click on "Properties."
   
   This will allow you to manually enter in an address.
   
   Enter in these values for each PC:
   PC 1 IP Address:
   192.168.0.1 Subnet Mask:
   255.255.255.0 Default Gateway:
   Do not enter in a value PC 2 IP Address:
   192.168.0.2 Subnet Mask:
   255.255.255.0 Default Gateway:
   Do not enter in a value , You should now be able to share files across two computers over your connected LAN cable.
   
   You might need to restart each computer for the changes to take effect.
3. 3

   Step 3: On both computers

4. 4

   Step 4: navigate to your control panel.

5. 5

   Step 5: Be sure both computers are connected to the same network and workgroup.

6. 6

   Step 6: Windows 8 users: Again

7. 7

   Step 7: in the control panel

8. 8

   Step 8: find and click on "Network and Sharing Center."

9. 9

   Step 9: Windows 7

10. 10

    Step 10: and XP Users: Open up "Network Settings" directly from your Control Panel.

11. 11

    Step 11: Right-click on the Local Area Connection option in your "Network Connections" window and select "Properties."

12. 12

    Step 12: Under "This connection uses the following items

13. 13

    Step 13: " find and click on "Internet Protocol (TCP/I4)."

14. 14

    Step 14: In the new window

15. 15

    Step 15: click on the "Use the following IP address" option.

16. 16

    Step 16: Click "OK" to apply the settings.

Detailed Guide

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