Revised 04/20/2005

How to setup Direct Cable Connection using Printer Ports.


Direct Cable Connection is used to connect two computers together with a cable via the 
parallel printer port or serial port to transfer files back and forth. The printer port is faster and the following is for that port.


Both computers must have the following:


Direct Cable Connection must be installed in Control Panel/Add/Remove Programs/Windows Setup/Communications.

The Directcc.exe file must be in the Windows directory.

The Network Neighborhood Icon must be on the Desktops. At least on the Guest. If you have
deleted it restore it with TweakUI under the Desktop tab.

A Data Transfer type cable (Laplink type), male to male, must be used for a parallel printer port
connection ($7.00 at Staples). Printer and null modem cables won’t work for this.

In ControlPanel/Network/Configuration add the protocols IPX/SPX and NetBEUI. 
(Don't put IPX/SPX  in Dial Up Networking unless you need it for another purpose, it will slow 
down the connect). 

Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Networks. 

Click Add, click Protocol, and then click Add. 

In the Manufacturers box, click Microsoft. In the Network Protocols box, click on IPX/SPX then OK. 
Then do the same for  NetBEUI.  Click OK, and then click OK again. 
Reboot your computer when you are prompted to do so. 


In ControlPanel/Network/Configuration you should also have Client for MS Networks installed . 
Select Add then Client then choose Microsoft on the left and then Client for Microsoft Networks 
on the right.
Select Windows Logon for Primary Network Logon unless you are on a Network.

Click on File and Print Sharing and check "I want to  be able to give others access access to my files".


In ControlPanel/Network/AccessControl check the top one, "Share level...."

Reboot

This should enable file sharing and you can right click on files and/or folders and select Sharing. 
Select C: to do the whole drive, not C:\. Files cannot be accessed by the Guest unless they 
are marked shared on the Host. A mark appears by folders that are marked shared.

 I  use a different short Workgroup name for each computer in ControlPanel/Network/Identification. 
OEM1 and OEM2 for example, it's easier to find  the host and view it. The computer names must be different. 
If the Guest has problems finding the Host then give each machine the same Workgroup name.

Start the Host first and when it's "waiting" start the Guest.

It's handy to have a desktop shortcut to  C:\Windows\directcc.exe to start it

There is a section on Directcc in Start/Help. Search for "direct" or "direct cable". It’s lacking 
some information though in the Win95 version.

To change other settings—Start/Programs/Accessories/Communications and click on Direct Cable for the "Wizard".

My Briefcase is used by Notebooks to store files for later uploading to a desktop via cable. 
Right clicking files and/or directories has an option to send to My Briefcase.

 
Direct Cable Connection also works with the disk mirroring program Ghost.

Bill Watt                                             Back to Homepage