[TooNew2]

Background:

I recently was given an old Dell Latitude 2100 laptop (?) with Windows 7 on it. I'd assumed it would have been fully reset to original, but after charging and opening, I find it has many Updates [16.5 GB worth], those ending a few years ago. I don't intend to use this online at all, just with documents & printing, for working with photographs, and as a portable monitor for a borescope.
Following  procedures on the internet, I have tried connecting this to another regularly used Win7 computer with no success, both by hooking both to a router w/ Ethernet patch cords, and directly to each other using an E. crossover cable. Although seeming to get close, the best attempt gave me a message akin to "This computer can't join a HomeGroup" from the Latitude.

 

I would appreciate detailed help in learning how to connect these,preferably directly using the crossover cable. Although I'm eager to do it, time is not critical here. Thanks

Edited by TooNew2, 01 April 2025 - 12:17 AM.

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Background:

I recently was given an old Dell Latitude 2100 laptop (?) with Windows 7 on it. I'd assumed it would have been fully reset to original, but after charging and opening, I find it has many Updates [16.5 GB worth], those ending a few years ago. I don't intend to use this online at all, just with documents & printing, for working with photographs, and as a portable monitor for a borescope.
Opening "Computer" on it, I see it has one 'disc' with a "C" drive; total memory is 138 GB, Free Space is ~83. That seems like a lot of usage for just the original system and its updates. Under "Users", it shows "Admin", "Administrator", and "Guest"; the middle has no files. The only   program it shows  (as desktop icons) is  G.Chrome. I have already deleted some of the "Sample" files of videos and music.

My  question here is how do I see exactly what is on here, determine what I can safely delete for strictly offline use, and do so? Would any of the updates be included and how would I know what they are since they're only listed by complex numbers.

I do have an external hard drive I could initially clone the whole system to, in case of problems later. Should I? Should this system have a built-in program for doing so?

My intend is to connect this system to my usual one so I can transfer files between them, but have been unable to do so thus far; however, that question is being asked separately elsewhere on site..

[TooNew2]

Background:

I recently was given an old Dell Latitude 2100 laptop (?) with Windows 7 on it. I'd assumed it would have been fully reset to original, but after charging and opening, I find it has many Updates [16.5 GB worth], those ending a few years ago. I don't intend to use this online at all, just with documents & printing, for working with photographs, and as a portable monitor for a borescope.
Opening "Computer" on it, I see it has one 'disc' with a "C" drive; total memory is 138 GB, Free Space is ~83. That seems like a lot of usage for just the original system and its updates. Under "Users", it shows "Admin", "Administrator", and "Guest"; the middle has no files. The only   program it shows  (as desktop icons) is  G.Chrome. I have already deleted some of the "Sample" files of videos and music.

My  question here is how do I see exactly what is on here, determine what I can safely delete for strictly offline use, and do so? Would any of the updates be included and how would I know what they are since they're only listed by complex numbers.

I do have an external hard drive I could initially clone the whole system to, in case of problems later. Should I? Should this system have a built-in program for doing so?

My intend is to connect this system to my usual one so I can transfer files between them, but have been unable to do so thus far; however, that question is being asked separately elsewhere on site..

[xrobwx71]

Wiztree is good for visually inspecting large files. https://diskanalyzer...les and folders.

 

Hit the Windows key + R. The Run dialogue will open. In this dialogue, copy and paste this Cleanmgr /sageset:65535 & Cleanmgr/sagerun:65535 hit Enter.

 

Check everything. It will clean up old Windows Update files and much more. It's safe as well.

 

 

I do have an external hard drive I could initially clone the whole system to, in case of problems later. Should I?

 

Yes. You can use Hasleo https://www.easyuefi...clone-home.html

Edited by xrobwx71, 01 April 2025 - 05:55 AM.

[TooNew2]

Thanks. I have used Wiztree before and will do the cleanup as suggested. Things got crazy here again (no need for details),so this might take a while to finish, but I will respond again with the results of the actions.Timing always counts so highly...

Thanks again.

[phillpower2]

TooNew2;

 

Your two threads involving the same computer have been merged, for as to why see below;

 

Background:

 

I recently was given an old Dell Latitude 2100 laptop (?) with Windows 7 on it. I'd assumed it would have been fully reset to original, but after charging and opening, I find it has many Updates [16.5 GB worth], those ending a few years ago. I don't intend to use this online at all, just with documents & printing, for working with photographs, and as a portable monitor for a borescope.

 

 

 

 

Background:

 

I recently was given an old Dell Latitude 2100 laptop (?) with Windows 7 on it. I'd assumed it would have been fully reset to original, but after charging and opening, I find it has many Updates [16.5 GB worth], those ending a few years ago. I don't intend to use this online at all, just with documents & printing, for working with photographs, and as a portable monitor for a borescope.

 

 

 

Unless malware related there is no need to start two threads when you are dealing with the same computer, GtG helpers are few and far between these days meaning that you have a better chance of getting help if you post on the most often visited forums and deal with any same computer issues all in the one place.

 

Thank you for your understanding.

[peterm]

Hi 

On Both computers

Click on Start

Right click on Computer

Left Click on properties

Make sure both computers are in the same workgroup.

The name of the workgroup is not important. I suggest you match the dell to the current computer.

 

 

 

On the current computer

Click on start

Type in cmd

At the command prompt type in ipconfig press enter

Scroll down and look for the IPv4 Address, Subnet & Gateway.

It will look similar to

 

IPv4 192.168.0.5

Subnet 255.255.255.0

Gateway 192.168.0.1

 

Connect the Dell via the cross over cable

Click on the Start and type in network status

You should get a settings list showing Network & Sharing

Click on Change adapter Settings on the left-hand side

 

Right click on your network connection

Left click on Properties

Left click on Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4)

Left click on Properties

Left click on use the following IP Address

Put in the ip address 1 or 2 numbers in the last octet different to the current computer.

 

Example the IPv4 Above is 192.168.0.5 so you would make the Dell 192.168.0.7

The Subnet and the Gateway should be the same as the current computer.

Click OK

Click Close

Close out of Network and sharing.

 

On the current computer

Click on start Type in cmd press enter.

at the cmd prompt type in ping & the ip address of the Dell E.G

Ping 192.168.0.7 press enter

 

You should get a Reply response

 

Do you know have to create file sharing in windows 7?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[peterm]

Also, What is the service tag number on the Dell?

I do have an external hard drive I could initially clone the whole system to, in case of problems later. Should I

 

YES

Once you have the system cloned

You could try getting rid of all the junk using the Dell reset to factory option.

But first thing is to post the service tag number so we can see what the computer came with.

You would not wan to reset and find out it is XP

https://www.dell.com...r on a sticker.

[TooNew2]

Also, What is the service tag number on the Dell?

I do have an external hard drive I could initially clone the whole system to, in case of problems later. Should I

 

YES

Once you have the system cloned

You could try getting rid of all the junk using the Dell reset to factory option.

But first thing is to post the service tag number so we can see what the computer came with.

You would not wan to reset and find out it is XP

https://www.dell.com...r on a sticker.

Sorry for the delay; I spent much of the day reorganizing and sweeping the room including the desk where the computer lives, so was offline for hours.

 

The Dell shows a Service Tag number of B21XRN1   A somewhat faded white paper tag  lists the model number [2110], then Atom N455 2GB, followed by 160GB and finally, Windows 7 Home Premium

 

The Microsoft tag is still in place and has the Product Key, plus says WINDOWS 7 HOME PREM FOR REFURB PCS and below, by a triangle, says "COA for use on Refurbished PC Only -- No Commercial Value". So, did MS give it away originally?? Sorry, I had to ask...

 

I renamed the Dell workgroup which had had the name of a baseball player; coincidentally, I once had a roommate whose brother was in the Minor leagues, later played for the Oakland A's, and both had the last name that was on the Dell. That name is about the extent of my sports knowledge, too.

 

It's getting a bit late here so I will finish trying to follow your instructions later, hopefully tomorrow, and report back.

 

 

 

 

[TooNew2]

I got a little time to work on this and made the correct settings on both systems. The connector for the crossover cable wouldn't latch in the Dell, [am sure it did before] but seemed to be making good electrical contact and I got a good response from the Ping command. Also, my Space key here requires too much pressure...but anyway, when I tried sharing a folder, I got a message that this system couldn't join a Homegroup; another message said it needed IPv6. How should this be handled? Use the Create a Homegroup command while cross-cable connected? Configure the IPv6 settings manually? Something else?

 

I was running out of time tonight so reconnected to the internet for this message and then other chores. Here's what I first get when Changing Adapter Settings; I'm adjusting the top (private) line. Below that is the first 'Can't Do' message.

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[peterm]

How were you trying to share

Do you have a name for the other computer just makes it easier to follow the path or I can just call it Main

[peterm]

On Dell

Click on start

Click on Computer

Right click on C:

Click on sharing tab

Click on Advanced sharing

Click on share this folder

Click on permissions

On the share permissions Click on Everyone to highlight

Click on Full Control Allow

Change Allow

Read Allow

 

Click ok

Close out or Properties box

You should now see a share icon - 2 heads on the C drive

[peterm]

With the computer screen still open

Above the C drive click on Map network drive

Pick a drive letter = NOT A or B

Click Browse

You should see the Dell Computer 

Click on The arrow next to Dell

Click on C

Click ok

Make sure you have a tick next to Reconnect at logon

[TooNew2]

With the IPv4 settings correct for both systems, Sharing set as above, the Run command showing the main system sees the Dell, I show Network  when clicking Browse under Mapping Network. Screenshots attached of these. Clicking Network gives me the last message about Network Discovery.

 

Might I need to reboot the Dell to get settings to be changed?

 

 

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[peterm]

On both computers turn on file sharing

What I put in Blue you can type or copy and paste. What I put in Red is what you do.

e.g Enter means press the Enter Key

On both Windows 7 Machine in the search box type control panel Enter

Left click on Network and sharing center

On the left hand side Left click Change advanced sharing settings

Under Private - should be (current profile)

Check Turn on Network Discovery

Tick Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices.

Check Turn on file and printing sharing

Left click on drop down arrow next to All Networks

Check Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files in The Public Folders

Check Use 128 bit encryption

Check Turn off password protected sharing

Left Click Save changes

Close out of Network and sharing.

If you want to use a password then you will have to put a password on the computer to login.

Your choice.

 

[TooNew2]

My systems are slightly different; neither has an All Networks, but essentially the settings are the same, as shown in the shot below. In Dell, both "Home or work"  and "Public" are set the same; not so in the main (Acer) system.

I still get the same Notice about Discovery.

 

FWIW, I see the Map Network option on top when the Computer is opened, not when C is selected. Shouldn't be significant but I've been looking for little possible problems and can't seem to find any.

 

 

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