How to Transfer Files Using a Null Modem Cable

"I have an Ethernet cable (not crossover) to connect my laptop to my desktop Ubuntu. I want to transfer a large amount of data. Will this work? I know it works between two Windows machines." --- Source: askubuntu.com

Have you gotten a new computer and need to transfer a lot of data? This article will teach you how to use an Easy Transfer Cable to transfer files between computers, as well as provide an alternative method for transferring files.

Quick navigation:

• What is a Null Modem Cable?
• How Can I Transfer Files Between Computers Without a Null Modem Cable?
• How Do I Use a Null Modem Cable?

【What is Simplified Transmission Line】

The Easy Transfer Cable is a special cable that helps you transfer files between two laptops using Wi-Fi in Windows 10. If you use this cable to migrate your data, the file transfer process won't be complicated. These cables are usually known as USB cables (like the Belkin Easy Transfer Cable) and Ethernet cables. Both cables are useful, but you'll need to buy the USB one. Ethernet cable? You already have it! If not, choose the easier way.

Best Alternatives to Windows Easy Transfer Cable

Although the Easy Transfer Cable works for the migration, the setup process is quite complicated and involves more than three steps. To transfer your files faster, we recommend using a free third-party tool like Todo PCTrans Free.

First, download the free software, and then follow three steps to transfer data from one computer to another:

Step 1: Launch Todo PCTrans on both computers. Choose "PC to PC" to proceed.

Step 2: Make sure you have selected the correct transfer direction.

"New" - Transfer data from the old computer to the current new one.

"Old" - Transfer data from your current old computer to a new one remotely.

Step 3: Enter the password or verification code of the target computer to connect the two computers via the network. Make sure you have selected the correct transfer direction, then click "Connect" to proceed.

The captcha is located in the upper-right corner of the “Computer to Computer” main screen on the controlled computer.

Step 4: Next, click on “Files” to select the files you wish to transfer. Choose the specific ones you want. Also, you can click on the Edit icon to customize the storage path of your transferred data.

Click “Transfer,” and the file transfer from computer to computer will begin. The size of the file will determine how long the transfer takes, so be patient.

Main Features of Todo PCTrans Free:

• Transfer files or folders between two computers. - "PC to PC" mode.
• Back up important data and restore files to another device. - "Backup and Restore" mode.
• Migrate programs to another drive (free up space on your C drive). - "App Migration" mode.

How to Use the Windows Easy Transfer Cable

When it comes to our recommendations, Ethernet cables are an easier choice than USB cables. If you're interested in USB cables, check out this article:

How to Transfer Files Using an Ethernet Cable

Step 1: Connect both computers to the same local area network (LAN) using an Ethernet cable.

Step two: Open the “Network and Sharing Center.”

Enter "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar > Run it and find "Network and Sharing Center" > Click "Ethernet" > Select "Properties" > Choose "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" > Click "Properties."

Step 3: Set your IP address

Select "Use the following IP address," and then enter your IP address and subnet mask. The values will be different; use our examples as a guide:

After you set the IP addresses, you should see both computers' names in the Network Settings.

By the way, do share this article to let more users know how to transfer files with or without a USB cable.

Step 4: Turn on sharing (on both computers)

Remain on the control panel:

Go to the "Network and Sharing Center," and then choose "Change advanced sharing settings."

Click on these options:

Turn on network discovery > Turn on file and printer sharing > Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files > Turn off password protected sharing > Click Save changes.

Step 5: Transfer files over Ethernet.

• Right-click the file or folder you want to send > click Share , and then choose specific people.

• Next, choose who to share it with. Click the drop-down button and select “Anyone.” Tap Add > Share.

Then your file is transmitted to another computer.

Related article: Transfer Files Over Ethernet Cable:

in Chinese is:

Watch this video tutorial for a visual guide to using Todo PCTrans and other available methods.

Last Words

This article will teach you how to transfer files using a simple cable. Both Belkin and Laplink make USB transfer cables. Alternatively, you can transfer files directly over an Ethernet cable. Of these methods, Todo PCTrans is the easiest to use. Choose your preferred method and get started!