File-sharing non-Internet PC?

[iantresman]

I want to copy some files from an old XP PC, with a new Vista PC connected via Ethernet to an NTL set-top box, which I am accessing with UltraVNC without problem from 200 miles away (it's my father's PC).

Although we have a "Windows Easy Transfer" USB cable, it requires someone to access the old XP PC to select files etc (my father is not computer literate). I'd like to be able to see the old XP as a network drive on Vista, so I can select what I need to transfer on the Vista PC (which I am viewing remotely).

Would a USB Ethernet adapter (in the Vista PC) and Ethernet cross-over cable to the XP PC be sufficient, and allow me to enable file sharing? The USB Easy Transfer cable seems to require the Easy Transfer software to work.

I would say so but as you are accessing remotely you will need 2 nics in the vista pc 1 in the oldie

[iantresman]

Originally Posted by zinglebarb

I would say so but as you are accessing remotely you will need 2 nics in the vista pc 1 in the oldie

There's already an Ethernet card in the back of the Vista PC which provides Internet, and then I'm thinking that the USB Ethernet adapter would be the second network interface card, which would file share?

it would or should lol

[iantresman]

Thanks!

[cleshe]

Originally Posted by iantresman

I want to copy some files from an old XP PC, with a new Vista PC connected via Ethernet to an NTL set-top box, which I am accessing with UltraVNC without problem from 200 miles away (it's my father's PC).

Although we have a "Windows Easy Transfer" USB cable, it requires someone to access the old XP PC to select files etc (my father is not computer literate). I'd like to be able to see the old XP as a network drive on Vista, so I can select what I need to transfer on the Vista PC (which I am viewing remotely).

Would a USB Ethernet adapter (in the Vista PC) and Ethernet cross-over cable to the XP PC be sufficient, and allow me to enable file sharing? The USB Easy Transfer cable seems to require the Easy Transfer software to work.

I'm pretty sure that if you are connecting a Vista PC and an XP one, you need some small program/ patch from Microsoft. Can't remember it's name , but when my sister carried out a similar swapover she had to download and install something to let it happen.Putting in network xp to vista on Microsoft's site would tell you.
I thought the Easy Transfer cable came complete with software?