Connect directly to another computer is grayed out

Connect directly to another computer is grayed out

I’ve tried connecting two computers using a crossover cable but never tried using a serial cable. Anyway, setting up is pretty simple since you don’t have to configure the cable unlike with a crossover cable. In a serial connection, you just need to make sure that both computers have serial ports and you have a serial cable to connect them.

The rest are done within the operating system on the computer. Connecting two computers using a serial cable or specifically a null modem cable is called a DCC or Direct Cable Connection. In a Direct Cable Connection, you can use either serial port or parallel port. Since you want a serial connection, you’ll be using the serial port. To begin, make sure both computers have serial ports.

A serial port can be a 9-pin male connector (DB-9) or a 25-pin male connector (DB-25). Connect the cable connectors to the serial ports. Once both computers are connected, click “Start”, “All Programs”, “Accessories”, “Communications”, and then “New Connection Wizard”. On the “New Connection Wizard” dialog, click “Next”. In “Network Connection Type”, select “Set up an advanced connection” then click “Next”.

In “Advanced Connection Options”, select “Connect directly to another computer” and then click “Next”. In “Host or Guest”, select either “Host” or “Guest” depending on your computer role and then click “Next”. If your computer role is “Host”, in “Connection Device” select “Communications Port (COM1)”. If your computer role is “Guest”, in “Connection Name” enter the name for your connection. Click “Next”.

On the next screen, if your computer role is “Host”, in “User Permissions” select the users you want to allow to connect. If your computer role is “Guest”, in “Connection Availability” select either “Anyone’s use” or “My use only” then click “Next” and then “Finish”.

In case the option “Connect directly to another computer” is disabled or grayed out, it means the Remote Access Connection Manager service is not running on your computer. You just need to start it manually. Click “Start”, “Control Panel”, “Performance and Maintenance”, “Administrative Tools”, and then select “Services”. Look for “Remote Access Connection Manager” then double-click it to open its properties.

In “Startup type”, set it to “Manual” then click “Start” to start the service manually and then click “OK”. See if this works.