I am trying to network 2 computers. I have run the network connection wizard on both systems and it says that it is connected, but I cannot see one computer from the other. I totally forget anything about this, it's been a while since I have done this and I am feeling pretty stupid. I have them together directly,I don't have a router or anything. Any help would be appreciated. The IP Address on the Home computer (the main one) is 192.168.0.1 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 The XP Pro comes up with nothing but zeros.

If using a crossover rj45 cable you can use Internet Connection Sharing on the Main PC to enable the basic DHCP server. If you have a Router/Switch, this will act as a DHCP server. Lastly both should be in the same workgroup, I usually use MSHOME as the name.

they are in the same workgroup (MSHOME it's easiest). I have dial up on one system, and if I connect that main system to the internet, the other computer is able to use that connection, but I still cannot access files from one computer to the other.

Make sure you enable the file sharing correctly. Take a look on following articles to help you: Simple File Sharing in Windows XP How to Share File with Group and User Permissions in Windows XP Pro Good luck..

1. Use a router, in order to make a home network. Connecting only with cables is slow, stupid, and unnecessary. You're probably using a normal PATCH cable and not a CROSSOVER cable anyway. There's your first problem. 2. Let your router be the default gateway and firewall for both computers. 3. READ about home networking. Try your local library. TCP/IP Jumpstart is a great book.