When you’re working on a project and want to share files between two or more computers, you can use a LAN-to-LAN messaging service like Windows 7’s built-in OneDrive. But what if you have multiple monitors? What if one of your monitors is in the foreground and the other is off? In this article, we’ll show you how to use Windows 7’s multi-monitor full screen video feature to share files between two or more computers. We’ll also show you how to use alternative file Copiers to help with this problem. First, open OneDrive on one of your computers and create a new folder for the project. Then, copy the files that you need from one computer to another. For example, if you’re working on a project on one computer and want to share files with someone else on another computer, copy the files that are in the same folder as the project file on that first computer. Now that you have copies of all of the files that you need, it’s time to start sharing them! To start sharing files between two or more computers, open OneDrive and select “Share Files.” In the “Share Files” dialog box, select “LAN-to-LAN Messaging.” In the “Message Type” field, select “File.” In the “File Name” field, type a name for your project file (for example, MyProject). Then click OK. The other computers will now be able to access your project file just as if it were located in their own OneDrive folder!

Once a week we roundup some of the answers we’ve sent out to reader questions and share them with everyone. This week we’re looking at inter-LAN messaging with Windows 7, multi-monitor full screen video, and alternative Windows file copiers.

How Can I Send Messages Between LAN Computers Using Windows 7?

Dear LAN Chatting,

Is there a way for me to message other computers on my network using Windows 7 Home Premium without installing any other software?

Sincerely,

LAN Chatting in Chattanooga

Unfortunately the answer is no. Windows XP had the NET SEND command, Windows Vista had the MSG command, and Windows 7 Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate also have the MSG command—seen in the screenshot above—but Windows 7 Home was left out in the cold. There is no simple command-line based messaging tool for LAN-wide messages included with Windows 7 Basic and Home, and recreating the command line experience is a hassle (as you need a replacement for both the command line tool msg.exe and for the messaging services running in the background).

If you’re not hung up on a command line interface, a simple GUI-based application you may want to check out is LanToucher. It’s free, styled like a regular IM client, and compatible with net-send/pop-up messages so older PCs on the network won’t even need the app installed to receive the messages.

How Can I Keep Video Full Screen in Google Chrome on my Secondary Monitor?

Dear Full Screen,

I have two monitors and I use Google Chrome. How can I keep video full screen on the secondary monitor? As it is now, the second I click onto the primary monitor the video on the secondary monitor returns to regular size instead of full screen. What can I do?

Sincerely,

Full Screen Longing on Long Island

The first thing you need to do is upgrade Adobe Flash Player. If your videos aren’t staying in full-screen mode on their own it’s highly likely you’re using a version below 10.2 (which was the version Adobe rolled out multi-monitor support).

If you’re using an up-to-date copy of Adobe Flash Player and for some reason videos are still not staying in full screen mode when you work on another monitor, you may wish to try out a simple extension like Multiple Monitor Full Screen.

Are Alternative File Copiers Worth It on Windows 7?

Dear Copy Contemplating,

Back when I ran Windows XP, I used an alternative file copier because the the built-in file copier was garbage. Now I’m running Windows 7 and fairly happy with the file copier. Still, I have this nagging feeling that there are better file handlers out there. Is it worth using them?

Sincerely,

Copy Contemplating in Connecticut

Earlier this fall we put a few file copiers through their paces, including the default Windows 7 copier, TeraCopy, and SuperCopier. The general verdict was that the Windows 7 file copier was plenty fast and held its own against the alternatives, but it lacked the features. Check out our full review here to compare the tests and feature sets of the various copiers.

Have a pressing tech question? Shoot us an email at ask@howtogeek.com and we’ll do our best to help out.