Problem connecting Win7 Desktop to Win8 Laptop

[TommyGar]

I have a Windows 7 Desktop.
I want to connect a Windows 8 LAPTOP via ethernet cable to that Desktop, for file an internet sharing.

They are both on "Workgroup", and they both have standard character names.

Currently nothing is happening when I connect them. Help!

 

[plivin89]

so it is connected directly ?? or is it connected via router ?

 

[Tcinator]

TommyGar, what is the benefit of doing this v.s. having them both on the same LAN? Why would you like them connected directly? Is your Desktop directly connected to your Modem from your internet provider?

 

[TommyGar]

My desktop has internet access through a cable. Cable modem. I do not have a wireless router. I just need to connect the laptop to the desktop ethernet cable. My desktop doesn't see the laptop and vice versa when I try to run the networking wizard.

 

[Tcinator]

So your desktop has 2 Ethernet ports? Internet sharing and file sharing are different beasts, if you have 2 ports, 1for the modem and 1 for the laptop its easy. If not, you will need a patch(crossover) Ethernet cable. Which is different than a standard Ethernet cable. Which setup do you have? 1 or 2 ports on the desktop?

 

[plivin89]

A straight through cable will work if you are only trying to share Internet but for files you need a cross over cable (the pins are aligned differently). Both computer and laptop has to be on the same subnet. I assume you have 2 Ethernet connections and 2 local area connections, to share Internet click on the local area connection that is connected to the modem and click properties then click the sharing tab and select allow other network user to connect and select the interface you want to share Internet with and then hit ok

 

[Kerisdale]

I have a Windows 7 Desktop.
I want to connect a Windows 8 LAPTOP via ethernet cable to that Desktop, for file an internet sharing.

They are both on "Workgroup", and they both have standard character names.

Currently nothing is happening when I connect them. Help!

 

[Kerisdale]

When using the Homegroup feature, Windows 8.1 seems to have an extra level of security not accessible via the normal networking and sharing centre. Use the "charms" menu at the right hand side of the screen and go to settings/change PC settings/network/homegroup and move all the sliders to "On". If this is not done the laptop can see files on the PC but not the other way round.