How to Share files or Network a W8.1 PC to a W7 Laptop

[daniellouwrens]

Hi

I have a W8.1 PC connected to a Wireless modem by Ethernet cable, and a W7 Laptop connected by wireless to the
same modem.

I have a lot of stuff on my Laptop that I want to transfer (sometimes up to 200GB) to my PC, until now I have
copied the data to a USB, 30GB at a time then copied it top my PC.

This is painful and I want to copy it over the Network or from a shared folder.

I have looked on the net but all the instructions are vague and mention places I do not have, for example instructions say to go to the Public folder, there is no Public folder on either unit.

Is there a definitive guide for setting up a Network between a W8.1 PC and a W7 Laptop.

Thanks

Daniel

 

[DustSailor]

Try out homegroup: HomeGroup from start to finish - Windows Help - click next to continue (tutorial).

I could show you how to share a folder, or use the public folders, but that can be a bit more tricky. But only slightly so. If the above doesn't work for you, try locating the public folder via this link: How to Share Folders in the Windows 8.1 Public Folder - For Dummies (dummies is an instructional help, and does not imply how I feel about you or anyone else).

 

[daniellouwrens]

hi

thanks for the reply, we failed on the first instruction page

It said...
[h=2]Create a homegroup[/h] When you set up a PC with Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, a homegroup is created automatically. If a homegroup already exists on your home network, you can join it.

• Open HomeGroup by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Settings (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer up, and then clicking Settings), tapping or clicking Change PC settings, tapping or click Network, and then tapping or clicking HomeGroup.
  
• Tap or click Create.
  
  When I click on "Change PC settings" I get a big orange arrow in the corner telling me how to switch between applications.
  
  I cannot get onto Network or homegroup.
  
  Any ideas what I am doing wrong?
  
  Cheers
  
  Daniel

 

[DustSailor]

Hey mate, make sure network discovery and file sharing are enabled (see this): http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/9840-network-discovery-turn-off-windows-8-a.html - * Turn on network discovery, and * Turn on file and printer sharing.

The arrow is showing you how to do stuff. Follow its instruction just to make it go away. It can be an annoying 'helpful feature'.

 

[DustSailor]

Also do this to set your network to be private. I believe it is necessary.

[DEL]Wi-Fi seems to be set to public, at least for me: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/9837-network-location-set-private-public-windows-8-a.html
EDIT: wasn't working for me until I did the above. Try it out. I think I used option 3, through the registry. Are you using Wi-Fi too? Apparently, it gets complicated if so, because sometimes it sets you to public automatically, instead of 'private', or home/work.[/DEL]

EDIT2: Perhaps an easier way is to just forget the network (if you're using Wi-Fi), and when you reconnect, select to find devices, etc (click yes when prompted). Here is how: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/20085-wireless-network-profile-delete-windows-8-a.html

 

[daniellouwrens]

Hi

At the moment I am reluctant to delete the Network as that would deny me internet access and if
I had trouble getting back on I would have real problems.

Also my Laptop is about to go away, a mate is borrowing it to store pictures while travelling, so I cannot test any Networking changes I make.

The Laptop will be back in about a week so leave it with me and I will get back to it then.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers

Daniel

 

[broe23]

Deleting the network is not going to stop you from connecting to the Internet.

 

[DustSailor]

^It is true, 'deleting' (called forgetting) just allows you to reconnect to the network anew. Only thing you'd have to do is remember the Wi-Fi password that you use to connect. Just reply here when you have any further questions about it and I or perhaps another will help you out asap. Best of luck!