Before starting direct cable connections, one may wish to create a folder on the "C:\ " drive, which is used for holding temporary documents. We normally call it "Hold. " Some people call it many different things. We usually only stipulate that it not be called "Temp" because other programs now come with their own temporary folder. There will be a separate set of directions for this procedure forthcoming.

One may also dump the shared folders onto the desktop and move them later (thanks to Nancy Carnevale, Mark Gadbois, and Jeannette Mulholland for the tips).

A standard parallel cable (not a standard printer cable) with a 24-pin male at both ends is needed for this procedure.

Go to the "Start" button, "Programs, " and "Accessories. "

Look for a procedure called "Direct Cable Connections. " If it is there, double click on it and follow the directions. If it is not, proceed to the following:

Go to:

1. "Start" button,
2. "Settings, "
3. "Control Panel"
4. "Add/Remove Programs"

Double click the icon.

Click on the tab,
     "Windows Setup"

Double click on the tab,
     "Communications"

Enable the component,
     "Direct Cable Connection" by clicking on the box to its left.

Click "OK" twice and you have been returned to the "Control Panel"

Double click the "Network" icon.

Look for the component, "Client for Microsoft Networks. "

If it is there, see below. If it is not there, click on the:

1. "Add" box
2. "Client" component
3. "Add..." box
4. "Microsoft" component
5. "Client for Microsoft Networks"

Click on the "OK" box each time and you will be returned to the three network tabs with the "Configuration" tab still in the front

If "Client for Microsoft for Microsoft Networks" is there:

Click on the "File and Print Sharing" box and enable either or both statements by clicking in the box to the left of one or each.

Click on the "OK" box and you will be returned to the three network tabs with the "Configuration" tabs still in the front.

Be sure at this point, that your "Primary Network Logon" is "Client for Microsoft Networks. " This is accomplished by clicking on the down triangle to the right and highlighting it.

Click on the "Identification" tab.

You will see a number in the "Computer Name" space. Most of us copied it down someplace where we will never remember and replaced it with something simple, "vin, " "nancy1, " "J. Mulholland, " "Neubie1." "

"Workgroup" must have a name. Most of us used the name, "workgroup. " "Computer Description" can be left blank.

Click on the "Access Control" tab.

Enable the "Share-level access control" button by clicking in the circle to its left.

Click on the "OK" box.

A box should come up entitled, "Copying Files. " At about 40% of the procedure, a "Version Conflict: " Dialogue Box will appear. Click the "Yes" tab and allow completion of the procedure. You should be returned to "Control Panel. " Close out of the "Control Panel. "

You should be prompted to "Restart Your Computer. " Do so.

Almost done here guys.

In either "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer, " you need only to enable "File Sharing. "

This is accomplished as follows:

1. Double click "My Computer"
2. Left click the "{C;} " drive
3. Left click on "File"
4. In the "Sharing" Tab, enable the "Shared As" box by left clicking in the circle to its left.

Caution here:

Remember this step. It's fine in a training setting, but circumstances may vary upon returning to ones' home school.

Enable "Full Access" under "Access Type" by left clicking in the circle to its left.

Click the "OK" box.

Close out either "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer. "

Return to:

1. "Start"
2. "Programs"
3. "Accessories"

Click on "Direct Cable Connection. "

There is a difference between "Host" and "Guest" and each time this procedure is initiated (only at the start of the session), the "Host" should boot first after being connected using the cable. Then boot the "Guest" computer.

Many thanks to Jeannette Mulholland, Mike Neubauer, Nancy Carnevale, and Maureen Barney for their input into these directions..