Will this create a network?

Question

I am using a DSL modem for my desktop at the moment. I need to connect my laptop to my desktop to transfer files as my dvd writer is shot...

On the back of my modem, there are 4 ethernet slots, and i'm only using one as of now. If i connect my laptop to that modem with it's own ethernet, will this set up a network and allow me to transfer files from my laptop to my desktop, or do I need to buy a router?

Thanks...

Answer 1

should work that way be sure that both computers have file sharing turned on  

Answer 2

It sounds like the modem has a built in 4 port switch. This will connect the 2 computers on a network. Make sure they are getting a private IP address. This can be done by going to start then run. Type in CMD and hit ok. Then at the promt type ipconfig and hit enter. If you get an IP that starts with 192 then you are golden, if it is a public IP address then this will not work and you will need a router. Also, both computers need to be on the same workgroup, you can check the workgroup name by right clicking on my computer and click on properties. Then click on the Computer name tab. It will tell you the workgroup name. If one is different then the other then change it on one of the computers by clicking the change button. After that restart. You also need to enable file sharing on the folder you want to transfer. Right click on that folder and click on sharing and security, put a check in "share this folder on the network".  Then you are going to want to "map the network drive". To do this right click on my computer (this is on the computer that will be getting the files from the other computer) and select "map network drive". Then click the Browse button, you will see your workgroup, click on the + symbol next to your workgroup. You will see the other computer. Click on the + symbol by the computer name. Then you will see the folder you enabled file sharing on. Click on that folder then click OK. Then click Finish. This will open that folder on your computer. Now whenever you open my computer you will see the folder as a network drive. You can access that folder from then on until you select disconnect. To disconnect from the mapped drive just right click on the drive in my computer and select disconnect. All done.