Configuring Two network connections: One for internet and other crossover for file sharing only.?

Question

Ok Here is what I want to do. It is working but I am sure I am not doing it right.

I have a XP and a Vista computer. Both of them have wireless adapters and are connected to the net through my Wireless AP and router. I want to connect these two computers directly to share files as going through the router is very slow and unreliable. I have connected them both using a crossover cable and assigned two static IP addressses to them that are not in the DHCP range for the wireless connections.

Now how do I make sure that internet is accessed only through the wireless connection? Sometimes, I get a network error pop-up on the Vista machine saying the IP address is already in use. Any idea what is going on and what is the best way to avoid any problems and achieve the desired result.

Thanks for your time.

Ans#1: Yes, I am using different static IPs on both computers.

Ans#2: I meant I do not want to use file sharing over wireless network through router. I want to share files over crossover cable only. My router is on other floor.

Ans#3: This sounds the best advice so far. I will double check if the 'x' is different for static IPs. I am sure I am not using a gateway. Your assumptions are correct. Can you please explain why the computer will ignore the crossover connection for accessing the net in this case?

Answer 1

Using a good IP address and subnet for your wired connection will limit what your PC's will look for over the wire. Additionally if you have a gateway set on the wired connection, the PC will expect this to know where Google etc is.
I am assuming the DHCP to your wireless is a 192.168.x.0) address with a subnet of 255.255.255.0
Whatever number x is, do not use this on your wired connection and do not set a gateway.
This will stop your systems using the wired connection to access the Internet

Answer 2

Nope. The two computers will access the internet on the static IP address that you assigned to them (via cable). I hope I'm wrong but I know this won't work when they are connected on the same router.

Although I'm very much confused by your details saying that your wired connection is slow and unreliable as to your wireless. As far as I know, wired is faster and more secured than wireless.

Answer 3

If you open My Documents you'll see "Shared Documents" at the left. This is a folder that's installed as shared. Put anything you wish to proportion in that folder. Both PCs have got to be within the identical Workgroup. Right click on on My Computer, pick Properties and Computer Name. Click on Change in the event you must difference one. In the opposite PC pass to "My Network Places" (additionally in My Documents) and appear in "View Workgroup Computers". You will have to see the opposite PC. Double click on on it to look shared records.

Answer 4

Did you use the same IP for both PCs? They both need to have different IP addresses.