The following method allows a folder on one computer to be accessed from another computer via ethernet, irrespective of domain/workgroup settings of the two computers.

• Establish a network connection
• Share the folder from which you want to access files
• Open the folder from the remote computer

If you want to access this folder from within applications, you may want to

• Map the folder as a virtual drive.

1. Physically connect the computers, using a crossover cable or through an ethernet hub or switch.
2. Ensure that both computers are assigned IP addresses in the same subnet range. You do this from the TCP/IP properties page: Start» Settings» Control Panel» Network Connections» Local Area Connection» Properties» Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)» Properties. If you have a router that functions as a DHCP server, you can set the computers to Obtain an IP address automatically. If not, set them to fixed IP addresses in the same range, eg 192.168.0.4 and 192.168.0.5, with the subnet masks set to 255.255.255.0.
3. Check the connection using the ping command. Select Start»Run, enter cmd and type IPConfig to confirm each machine's IP address. From the second machine, select Start»Run, enter cmd and type ping followed by the first machine's IP address or computer name, eg ping 192.168.0.4 or ping laptop1. Four REPLY responses mean you have succeeded. Timeouts may indicate a fault, or possibly a firewall setting is blocking pings.

1. Open Windows Explorer (eg by holding the Windows Logo key and pressing E)
2. In the directory tree, right click on the folder you wish to share, and select Properties
3. On the Sharing tab, select Share This Folder, and enter a Share name. If you wish to restrict access, eg to reading only, you can do so from the Permissions dialog box.
4. After you apply the change, the folder icon should change to one with a hand underneath.

1. From the remote computer, select Start»Run and enter the fully qualified name of the shared folder in the format \\computer-name\share-name. Example: \\Laptop1\Mydata or \\192.168.0.4\Mydata
2. A Windows Explorer window should open, and files can be copied, dragged and dropped etc as if they were on a local drive.

1. Open Windows Explorer
2. Select Tools»Map Network Drive… from the menu
3. Choose an unused letter for a drive name
4. Enter the fully qualified name of the shared folder, eg \\laptop1\Mydata
5. Select Connect using a different User Name and enter a user name and password that is valid for the other computer
6. If you wish to have this folder mapped every time you log in, check the Reconnect at Logon box
7. Click Finish
8. The folder now appears in Windows Explorer and File Open dialog boxes as a virtual disk drive.