How to transfer files from pc (xp) to mac (osx) using ethernet cable

Joined
Jun 28, 2011
Messages
40
Reaction score
1
Points
8
Location
Royal Oak
Your Mac's Specs
Late 08 Unibody Macbook Pro 15'', Hitachi 500gb 7k500, 8gb Ram - better than new
I am writing this because it seems that all the online guides fail to notate a couple very important items regarding loging into the pc. This is for PC users running Windows XP

To move files by connecting your Mac directly to your PC:
1. Turn off the PC
2. Connect your Mac to your PC using a standard Ethernet cable.
3. Turn on the PC.
4. On the PC select the files you wish to transfer and drag them to your shared folder (probably called shared documents). Right click & select properties, click the sharing tab, then in 'Network sharing and security' click on the text" 'If you understand the security risks but want to share files without running the wizard, click here'
5. Now tick 'Just enable file sharing'.
6. Now tick both boxes 'Share this folder on the network' and 'allow network users to change my files'.
7. Make a note of the folder name here (probably default is documents - this is your SHARENAME).
8. On the PC: Control panel>Firewall: turn off firewall (since there is no internet connection now, it's ok)
9. On the Mac: Preferences> network> firewall: turn off
10.On the PC: Control Panel>User Accounts> Change the password: Change this to something else (ie 1234)
11. On the PC: Control Panel>System>Tab to Computer Name: Write down the 'Full computer name' this is your DNSname below
12. In the Finder on your Mac, choose Connect to Server from the Go menu to open the window.
13. Type your PC's network address in the Server Address text box using one of these formats:
smb://DNSname/ShareName
smb://IPaddress/ShareName
14. Click Connect.
15. Follow the onscreen instructions to enter your PC's workgroup name, user name, password, and the volume or folder you wish to access.
16. Your PC volume should appear on your Mac Desktop.
17. Open the volume and drag and drop files directly from it to anywhere on your Mac.

VIOLA! Now don't forget to change your firewall settings back as well as your password.
I hope this helps someone - I was feeling very frustrated at the lack of correct guides.
 
OP
K
Joined
Jun 28, 2011
Messages
40
Reaction score
1
Points
8
Location
Royal Oak
Your Mac's Specs
Late 08 Unibody Macbook Pro 15'', Hitachi 500gb 7k500, 8gb Ram - better than new
Hi mymacrox,
While apple does have that support page available they forget to include the settings for enabling the folder on the pc, to be shared on the network and the strange password change required, that allows it to be accessed via ethernet/network. That page was the main source of my information with the missing steps added, to ensure success. I also added the steps in order so that rebooting or ipconfig/renew isn't required and it's as easy as possible.

My reason for using ethernet was that I was trying to transfer 1 single file that was 12gb without a flash drive capable of that size.

I'm glad to add something - this site has helped me so much.
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top