How do I share data between two Windows PCs via wi-fi?

Question

I have a broadband connection with a WiFi router. I have installed a new PC at home and it is working well and is able to use the internet. The problem I am facing is to share the data from the old one. The new OS is Windows 7 and the old one is Windows XP. I just want to transfer all my data from the Windows XP machine to the Windows 7 one, so how can i use the WiFi network for this purpose.

Answer 1

If you want all your personal data (My Documents, etc.) on the new machine, then you can enable file sharing on the old XP computer and copy/paste them from the new computer. A description of the steps to take to do this can be found here (Microsoft Support).

Another option is to map the relevant folders as a network drive, then copy/paste the files out of the network drive to the new computer. The How-To Geek has an excellent article on how to map a network drive between a Windows 7 and a Windows XP machine.

Mapping a network drive not only gets the information to your new computer, it creates a permanent link between the computers to share the info. Just realize that the network drive is like making a bridge - it doesn't move the data, just let's you access it. But once you access it, you can move it anywhere you like.

Answer 2

I prefer to use filezilla server to ftp locally within my home network.

A free dropbox account is also commonly used to share between computers.

I have found many problems / bugs with trying to use window's networks across different O/S' - not to mention the potential security issues.