Transfer files between Vista and Windows 7 using WIFI

Many of us would have thought of transfering files using WIFI router but because of lesser knowledge on OS settings we wouldn't have done that . Follow these simple steps to transfer files between two systems with ease. This post will be helpful for those who use USB/other external storage devices for transfering files. Such devices need not be always used instead we can use existing wifi router and OS Sharing feature to transfer the file.

System Requirements :

a. Minimum 2 systems both having WIFI connectivity.

b. ADSL WIFI router+modem. (People who got WIFI broadband connection at home will be using this device already)

For our example we will take 2 systems , one runs VISTA and other runs WINDOWS7.

- Turn on both the systems and make sure both are connected to same WIFI router.

VISTA system setup :

- Go to control panel and select "Network and Sharing Center".

- In the new window make sure "Network Discovery" and "File Sharing" options are turned ON. If not make it ON by clicking APPLY over each options. If it asks for permission press Continue.

If you want to see all currently shared files. Select "Show me all files that i am sharing.." link at the bottom of the window. You will see all the files that are shared by you.

For sharing a new file. Right click on file and go to properties and in Sharing Tab enable share option to start sharing the file.

Setup on Vista is done.

WINDOWS7 system setup:

- Enable "Network Discovery" and "File Sharing" options as we did in VISTA using "Network and Sharing Center".

- After changing the setting. Go to ControlPanel -> Firewall. Turn Off Firewall settings for both INBOUND and OUTBOUND connections.

Now in each system go to "Network" option . You will see this option after pressing START button. Normally displayed below "MyComputer" option. All the systems that are using the same WIFI router will be displayed including your WIFI router. Double clicking on the system name will let you provide access to its shared files. You can copy or even edit if the file owner has given the permission.

That's it it's simple.

Now onwards start transfering files using few mouse clicks instead of manual transfer!

Please drop your comments if you find these details useful .

NOTE : WIFI router normally use 802.11g format which means 54Mbps would be the maximum data rate using such wireless connection. So, it will be bit slower compared to transfering file over ext. storage devices. WIFI usage is preferrable while transfering small size files.