Can I network two PC's over a dial up line?

I have two PC's - one running Win/ME and one running Win/XP/Home. They are separated by several miles but both have modems and connect to the Internet properly. There is something called Dial-Up Networking on my Win/ME machine but I've never used it. In addition, the help screen says that the other PC (I guess) must have "server" software. What does this mean? All I want to do is to establish a connection between them occasionally to transfer some files and hopefully do a few other network tasks. Can all or part of this be done over a dialup connection without extra (purchased) software???? If so, I would appreciate guidance as to how to do it. Thanks very much for any response.

 

It can be done - sort of.

The best way I can think of is to use a thing called VPN (virtual private networking) which is designed to let remote users connect into a network. In your case the network consists of 1 PC that that should be plenty.

There may be other options but the dodge that occurs to me is to set a PC us with ICS and to act as the host. Then start~run~cmd followed by ipconfig on the XP PC if it's host to find the IP address (and it will change every time you dial on). The other PC will use VPN to connect to that IP address. Note that if ME is the host, start~run~winipcfg is the command to find the IP address.

Then the XP ICS setup page will show you how to set up ICS as host and Win98 VPN setup will show you how to set up the ME machine to dial in.

Someone else may have an easier or more elegant solution to offer. I haven't messed with a setup like this in a number of years and my memory is a little rusty.

 

If you need simply file transfer, use one of the Instant Messengers, but requires a person to interact on both ends. If no one home, won't work. If I understand, you do not currently have a network. Two computers, different homes, separated by several miles. Assuming this would be a free local phone call, use a program similar to pcAnywhere. When leaving the house, commit computer to "Host" mode. You can now access computer from other home with a simple phone call and move files and manage the computer as if you where there. Used this approach for years allowing 13 outside computers to update files with a host computer (dedicated) in our office. Even if it is not a local call, you can move a lot of file info in a few minutes. A 5 to 10 minute call would cost from .25 cents to a dollar, cheaper than driving. There is a free program out there, can't remember the name. But I'm not sure if it supports direct dial.

 

Thanks to both Newt and Dennis L. I will try both of your suggestions and see if I can get anything to work. If you remember the free version of PCAnywhere, I would appreciate knowing what it is. I forgot to mention that the Win/XP/Home machine already is running on a small network in the office with another PC, but I assume that doesn't make any difference in how I call in from the remote Win/ME machine. Anyway, thanks again.

Roger

 

If you are just looking to share files, another option may be to set up an FTP server on one of your computers. You could share the entire drive if you want, and while some people may say that it is unwise, if you're on dial-up and not connected 24/7 it's not so much of a big deal.

I can't think of a name for FTP server software in windows, but a quick Google search should turn up some results.