Set-Up the Windows 95 Machine

Click Add/Remove Programs and verify you have Direct Cable Connection Installed.

Note: Click the "Windows Setup" tab, Double Click on the "Communications" Telephone

If the check mark is not apparent next to "Direct Cable Connection:", click in the box then select OK. Windows will install the direct cable client when you click OK at the main Add/Remove Programs Properties window.

Install NetBEUI Protocol and IPX-SPX-compatable protocol. Also install the "Client for Microsoft Networks".



Now Determine the name of your windows 95 computer, this appears in the first box entitled "Computer Name". You will need this information to mount the drives on the windows NT machine:



Now Share your file system. You will want to configure TCP/IP later to not share your information over the internet. This is done by adjusting the bindings.



We are Done With the Control Panel.

Run "Windows Explorer" and share some information so that we can test our new link.

This is done by highlighting the drive, clicking file and properties.



RESTART YOUR COMPUTER if any software or changes have been made.

Attach a cable between the two computers. You may want to use hyperterminal on both computers set at 19200baud to determine if the cable is ok. If you can type on both windows and see it on the other screen, youre ready to connect. Note the port names used on both computers this will be required configure the link.

Launch the "Direct Cable Connect" utility in windows 95









The windows 95 computer should be ready to connect to the NT machine. Leave the program running as we will soon be connecting...

Click START - Control Panel.



Click on the Network ICON. Select Protocols and add NetBEUI and IPX/SPX Compatable Transport. These protocols are installed by Clicking Add and Selecting the Microsoft Category.





Select Services to Verify/Install the Remote Access Service.



If the Remote Access Service is Not Yet installed, click ADD and Select the Remote Access Service.



You may already have RAS capable devices listed in the Remote Access Setup panel. You will want to now add the RAS Cable device by Clicking Add.



Click Install Modem and Do Not Let Windows Search for your modem By checking the box. Click Next.



Select the Dial-Up Networking Serial Cable between 2 PCs and Click Next.



Select the Port (or ports) You Will be using to Connect, Click Next.



Click Network and Select NetBEUI and IPX check boxes.



Click Configure and Set for Dial out Only.



RESTART YOUR COMPUTER if any software or changes have been made.

Start the dial-up networking application





Click the New Button:



Name it "Direct Cable" or something appropriate, click Next >



Select the "Dial-Up Networking Serial Cable betweek 2 PCs":



Just Leave the phone number blank, NT will let you continue:













Click on the MORE button, and selecet "Edit Entry and Modem Properties":

Note: Be sure the entry you just created appears in the first window.





Select the direct cable connect baud rate and framing:





If you experience trouble with Windows NT explorer locking up while accessing a mounted network drive, try the following configuration:

Establishing the Connection

Now Click DIAL, do not enter a password, and just enter anything as the User Name:

Note: If you enabled passwords on the Direct Cable Client for windows 95 enter the appropriate information here.

(windows NT display)

Again your windows 95 computer must be in the following mode:

(windows 95 display)

(windows NT display)

(windows NT display)

(windows NT display)

(windows NT display)

Now you should see:

(windows NT display)

(windows 95 display)

Using Files on the Windows 95 computer
 

Run the Windows NT Explorer



Click Tools, Select Find, Computer:



Enter the windows 95 name

Note: This name is shown in the control panel, network selection, Click on Identification and it is the first line entitled "Computer Name". You should have noted it from the windows 95 machine setup.



Click on the little computer icon, and the shared resources are listed:



Any of the above file systems on your windows 95 computer may be now mounted as a network drive by clicking on it (the following example was DRIVE_C). Then select FILE, Map Network Drive.



The windows 95 files and directories now appear as a network drive in the file manager. You may copy files as normally done on local drives. If the setup does not allow writing from file shares, you may not be able to write to the remote computer. Use the file manager in windows 95 to change the sharing "properties" if write access is required. Be aware that you should disable TCP/IP bindings to the share or someone may get you over the internet next time you log in.

The Need for Speed
 

Some adjustments can be made to increase your speed. Please do not change the baud rate settings until the link is working and you have transferred a few files to test it. The rate you choose will be the maximum that BOTH computers can support.

Windows 95 Baud Rate Adjustment

Both machines must be set to the same baud rate





The change you are about to make will also affect windows 95 to windows 95 connections using this port. Your port will be operating at a non-standard speed and this may cause confusion in the future so please remember this change.
Note 1: This baud rate setting will not take effect until the next time windows 95 is restarted.
Note 2: Do not set this rate higher than the port configuration.



Windows NT Baud Rate Adjustment



Click More and Edit Entry for the serial cable we created earlier.

Related Sites

FAQ for this document (Hypertext)
Direct Connect Problem Page (Q&A Style Windows 95 Direct Connect Information)
Instructions for connecting two Windows 95 Computers

Kb Article 142065 Connecting NT & 95 With a Null Modem Cable If you can't find your answer on the FAQ page  or have found an error, drop a line Frank J. Kime Jr.