Optimizing LAN File Transfer Rate? Need Help.

Is there a way to increase/optimize the file transfer capabilities of a 10/100 lan card to it's maximum capacity? I have 2 computers connected together by a short (1m) UTP cable. Both have LAN cards installed.

The following are what's installed in the host:

client for microsoft networks
File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
NetBEUI Protocol
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

The client has the same except that NETBEUI is unchecked.

I'm running a Zonealarm free firewall on the host side only. The client computer is in the Trusted Zone so there are no problems regarding file transfers or pings. The OS is Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3 for host and client.

Any input regarding my problem will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Question: Are you talking about finding a better FTP program for your file transfers, or you want to increase the speed of the point-click-drag file transfers between the two through windows explorer?

The transfer rates will depend on the NIC speed first...is both NIC are 10/100 capable, then they should talk at 100. You also can hard set the speed to 100Mbps/Full duplex through the advanced adapter properties of each NIC. Then the transfer speed will be effected by the speed of each hard drive also...if one is running at 4200RPM and the other is at 7200RPM, there's going to be a lag in transfer rates, consequently the seek/read/write times will be affected too.

Only for the drag and drop via explorer. No ftps here.

I tried the full duplex but it seems like W2K has detected a new hardware. Any suggestions why this is so?
Thank you.

So when you Right-Click on the NIC in Network-Connections, then go to Properties, then Click on the Configure Button in the upper righthand corner of the box, then Click on the Advanced Tab, then Click on the Link-Speed-and-Duplex option in the option box on the lefthand side of that tab, then Click 100Mbps/Full Duplex...Win2K thinks that there's a new piece of hardware? If so, that's odd...Also, you don't need NetBEUI, after Win2K it's really not needed unless you run a hybrid network client OS setup.

I tried it again it has the full duplex that you recommended without it looking for a new hardware. I guess if it's the first time it'll do it or something. Thanks a lot, man.