Connect xp old desktop to new windows 7 laptop?

How do i connect to a windows vista laptop using an ethernet cord to a windows xp desktop?

• im trying to get some files i have stored on my laptop to my desktop and dont know how please help

• Answer:

  The best way to do this would be to just use a flash drive or external hard drive to transfer your files. However there is a way to do it using an enthernet cable, though it is much more difficult. Another thing you could do is if they are both on the same network you can enable file sharing, therefore allowing you to go to each computer and transfer files. But if you must do it by ethernet cable, then you have to do much more than just plug the cable into them. The steps are as follows; Firstly disconnect your computers from their current networks. Restart your computers Connect the 2 computers together via ethernet Go to first computer and go to network and sharing center Click on Change Adaptor Settings Right-Click on your Local Area Connection Click on Properties Click on TCP/IPv4 CLick on Properties Then Enter a IP address, the address you enter should be something like 192.168.10.2 Follow the same steps for the 2nd computer, HOWEVER when you get to the part where you enter the IP address, enter a number 1 higher than u did for the first computer. Ex. 192.168.10.3 Doing this will place the 2 computers in the same network. I do not believe you will have to designate a subnet mask, however if it doesnt recognize the computers at first, then enter 255.255.255.255 for the subnet mask. You should leave all of the other fields blank. I hope this helps you out. P.S. After your dont remember to go back to where you entered the IP addresses and change it back to Automatically Obtain IP, otherwise you will not be able to connect to your normal network.