How do I use LapLink to make a direct cable connection for the first time?

Cause

Solution

LapLink supports making direct cable connections between computers using the serial, parallel, or USB ports. Each of these has unique advantages, but all allow you to move data easily from one machine to another. The three supported cable types are: Serial – With a data transfer rate of approx. 1 MB per minute, it is the slowest of the three ways to connect, but also among the easiest to set up, since most computers have a free serial port available. The LapLink Serial Cable is bright blue in color. This type of connection is available in all versions of DOS and Windows. Parallel – A faster data transfer rate of up to 3-5 MB per minute is available using this cable, which is bright yellow in color. This type of connection is available only in DOS, Windows 95 and Windows 98. It is not available in Windows NT or Windows 2000 USB – The latest addition to the direct connection family, supporting data transfer rates as high as 15 MB per minute. LapLink's USB Network cable works with Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows 2000. Its color is a transparent purple or gold. Note: Windows 95 is supported by the original USB cable, and is opaque purple in color. Please note that each cable uses a proprietary pin-out and as of this writing, we only guarantee that we will work with LapLink cables. Standard RS-232, DB-25, or USB cables will not work with LapLink. To make a LapLink connection for the first time:

  1. Install the LapLink application. If you are using the USB Network cable, install the USB Network cable drivers before attaching the cable to the port.
  2. Connect the cable you have selected to both computers. If you are connecting via parallel or serial cables, look for the port label where you plugged in the cable.
  3. Start LapLink on both computers. LapLink must be running on both computers on order to make a connection.
  4. Review the Port settings for the Serial or Parallel ports or the TCP/IP network port.
    1. Click on Options, then click on Port Setup.
    2. Look through the list of ports for the port label where you attached the cable and make sure it is Enabled.
    3. Note: The serial cable uses a COM port, the parallel cable uses an LPT port and the USB Network cable uses the TCP/IP port.
    4. If the port shows Disabled, enable it by highlighting the port label and then checking Enable Port.
  6. Change LapLink Security to allow a connection. Do this on the host machine (the one being connected to).
    1. From LapLink's Options menu, click Security.
    2. You will see three choices: Nobody, Log-in List and Anybody. To allow an incoming connection, click either Log-In List or Anybody.
  8. Make a LapLink connection. LapLink’s AutoConnect feature is enabled by default, so you will see the file transfer windows (one for each computer) appear. If you wish to start a connection manually, follow these steps.
  9. For a Serial or Parallel connection:
    1. From the Link Bar, click Connect Over
    2. Click Cable.
    For a USB Network connection:
    1. From the Link Bar, click Connect Over
    2. Click USB Network.
    A Connect Over Cable dialog box appears. The name of the computer you have attached to the cable appears. Highlight it and click on OK. The file transfer windows appear on your screen.
Sometimes problems occur because LapLink depends so much on your computer's hardware. Here's a list of technical documents that may help with the most common problems. Serial Connections: Technical Document 101: LapLink Serial Connection Troubleshooting Parallel Connections: Technical Document 123: Troubleshooting a Parallel Connection USB Network Connections: Technical Document 97: LapLink Reports the TCP/IP Port is Unavailable Technical Document 188: LapLink Fails to Connect using the USB Network Cable Original USB Connections: Technical Document 205: Troubleshooting the Original LapLink USB cable

Product: Laplink Gold
KB: 100  Last updated: Sep 23, 2008
Keywords: Connections: Cable 
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