How do I move files from a home PC to a laptop using a network router?

Question

I was told I would have to open shared files to transfer the files..I am looking to move all my music from iTunes to my laptop.

Answer 1

If you already have the router connected and both computers can access the internet then the first part is done. Next is to configure both computers for file sharing.

1. On the home PC run the Network Setup Wizard.
Click Start-->All Programs-->Accessories-->Communications-->Network Setup Wizard.

2. On the window that opens click Next then Next again

3. Make sure "Yes, use the existing......" is checked and click Next

4. Now you can enter a description if you want and change the name of your computer. You don't have to do either, just make a note of the computer name, we'll need it later. When your done click Next.

5. The default workgroup name is MSHOME which is fine so click Next.

6. Make sure "Turn on file and printer sharing" is selected and click Next.

7. This screen is for information only so click Next.

8. If you did not change the computer name then you can select "Just finish the wizard;..." and click Next and then Finish. If you did change the computer name or your computer wasn't set to the default workgroup MSHOME you'll have to reboot after clicking Finish. This is normal.

9. Once you're back to the desktop, browse to the folder containing your music files. Right click on that folder and select "Sharing and Security..."

10. In the middle of this window make sure "Share this folder on the network" and "Allow network users to change my files" are both checked. You can enter a share name if you want. I would name it Music. This is how the folder will show up on the network. When you're done click Ok.

11. On the laptop, repeat steps 1-8.

12. Your laptop desktop should now have an icon labelled "My Network Places" Double click it.

13. On the left hand side of the window that opens click "Add a network place" This opens a new wizard, just click Next on the first screen.

14. It may take a moment for the next screen but just wait you will get control back. Double click "Choose another network location"

13. In the box titled Internet or network address: enter \\computer name\Music where computer name is the name of your home PC and click next.

14. If all has gone well you should get a screen where you can enter a name for this network place. The default is fine so click Next and then Finish. A new window should open showing you all the music files stored on your home PC. If not you'll have to post some more info to troubleshoot what is going wrong.

At this point you can copy/paste all the files or you can keep reading and we'll set things up to sychronize your music automatically between the 2 computers.

Synchronizing:

1. If you're new Network Place window is still open click Tools then Map network drive...

2. In the folder box enter \\computer name\Music where computer name is the name of your home PC just as in step 13 above. Click Finish when you're ready.

3. Now you can close any open windows just to clean things up so there is less confusion.

4. Click Start-->Control Panel. If there are only 10 icons in the main panel of the window that opens then you are in Category View so click User Accounts then under where it says "or pick a Control Panel icon" click User Accounts again. If you have considerably more than 10 icons when you open the Control Panel then you are in Classic View so just double click the User Accounts icon

5. Now click "Change the way users log on or off" near the middle of the window

6. Make sure "Use Fast User Switching" is NOT checked and click Apply Options. Close the User Accounts window.

7. Double click My Computer then select Tools-->Folder Options

8. Click the "Offline Files" tab. Make sure "Enable Offline Files" is checked. With the slider at the bottom make sure to allocate enough disk space for all your music files. When you're done click Ok.

9. Double click My Computer. Find the network drive we mapped earlier. It should be called "Music on computer name" where computer name is, of course, the name of your home PC. Right click on it and select Make Available Offline.

10. Click Next. If you want a full sync, leave the box next to "Automatically synchronize the Offline Files when I log on and log off my computer" checked and click next. For a quick sync or if you want to do it manually uncheck it.

11. Here I would uncheck Enable reminders and then make sure Create a shortcut to the Offline Files folder on my desktop IS checked and click Finish.

12. On the new window make sure "Yes, make this folder and all its subfolders available offline" is selected and click Ok.

13. Sit back and wait as your files are synchronized!


If you left "Automatically synchronize the Offline Files when I log on and log off my computer" checked then every time turn your laptop on or off when you're on your home network, your music files will be synced. Any new music you put on your laptop will be copied to your desktop and vice versa. If you unchecked it no problem! Whenever you right click on the network drive now you have a new 'Synchronize" option on the menu. In addition the Tools menu has a Synchronize entry where you can change the options for what and how things are synced.

I almost forgot....when you're setting up your network you may need the password for your home PC. Just enter it whenever it's asked for.

Answer 2

First both PC and Laptop have to be on the same network. Windows can try and do this for you. Then you have to enable file and printer sharing. Have windows assign a work goup, etc. It's all made for the typical home user. Once this is all ready, and both computers see each other on the network, you should have a place that looks like "My Computer", but it will be called "My Network Places". Double click that, and you should be able to see the files on the computers. Then set up the folders you want to share with the rightclicking option on each folder.

Answer 3

Share the folder where your files are located. Then use Windows explorer to first map that drive and do a normal copy/cut and paste

Answer 4

install the program network magic on your laptop and the home pc

Answer 5

particular you need to, amazing does your printer have an area adaptor? if so you need to attache it to the router. or you have it appropriate to a distinctive pc / server and proportion the printer out. The you need to print to it wirelessly out of your computing gadget

Answer 6

good for you