Transfer files between PCs using Ethernet cable? (laptop, hd, modem)

[snowmountains]

If I want to transfer files between two PCs, and all I have is an Ethernet cable, how can it be done?

I've read/seen about Windows easy transfer, but when I tried it (with Ethernet cable connecting the two PCs), it says cannot find easy transfer cable?

So basically: (1)is Ethernet cable an "easy transfer cable"? (2) Can files be transferred by simply connecting the two PC's using Ethernet cable? (apparently that doesn't work---need settings? router or what? I thought router is for wireless??)

[OpanaPointer]

No SD cards? External HDD? DVD/CD writer/reader?

[JonahWicky]

I second Opana's suggestion to use removable media. Bonus points: you'll have a hard copy backup.

You'd need a crossover ethernet cable to connect 2 PCs. A standard cable won't work.

[snowmountains]

I do have external HD but it's more of a hassle to transfer laptop=>external HD=>desktop. I thought with a cable in between the files can be transferred directly? The Ethernet net cable I have is for Internet modem. Maybe need this "easy transfer cable"?

[froglipz]

You need to do a cross over cable, Walmart has one for like $7
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Belkin-CA...&wl13=&veh=sem

[JonahWicky]

You can get one for less than $2.
7ft 24AWG Cat6 500MHz Crossover Bare Copper Ethernet Network Cable - Orange - Monoprice.com

[trusso11783]

With use a crossover cable to go from PC to PC or get a simply 4 port router. Both computers got to be in the same workgroup (control Panel\ System, change computer name or workgroup.

Make a folder on each computer (call it PUBLIC) Right click and Share the folder. GO to the other computer and you should see it on your network. It's easy to do.

[snowmountains]

Thank you all! Once I connected the 2 PCs using the crossover cables you recommended, will the PCs show up on each other immediately, or do I need to perform something? Clueless :O) (In short, I'm looking for the simpliest, most direct way...)

P.S. So the Ethernet that I have is only good for computer to modem, not computer to computer?

[ansky]

Another option for future reference is to use online storage - such as Google Drive. Just upload everything from computer 1 onto Google Drive, then sign into Google Drive on computer 2 and download everything you need. This is what I usually do. No special cables needed, and the 2 computers don't even need to be in the same room.

[rjm1cc]

Also if the computers have blue tooth you will probably be able to find an option to send and receive files.