I want to connect two computers directly. Both are running XP Pro. I believe it is a crossover cable that I need. Is that correct? Also, What exactly do I have to do once the two computers are plugged into each other? Thanks for any help. =)

Yes, you need a crossover cable. I've never done this but I believe that once they're connected you need to have them set up like this: PC1: IP - 192.168.1.1 Subnet - 255.255.255.0 Gateway - 192.168.1.2 DNS - 192.168.1.2 PC2: IP - 192.168.1.2 Subnet - 255.255.255.0 Gateway - 192.168.1.1 DNS - 192.168.1.1 Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong with the gateway/dns settings. Are you hooking these two computers together for file sharing/gaming or shared internet access? Hope this helps! TJ

1) Each computer needs to have a unique (private) IP address within the same network range. The example IP addresses and subnet mask that TJ suggests is fine. 2) Each computer needs to have a unique NetBIOS computer name and should have the same workgroup name. 3) For local name resolution, enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP and/or configure the hosts and LMhosts files with the proper IP addresses and names. 4) Setup the same username and password on each of the computers. 5) You might need to turn off XP's built-in firewall. 6) To share files between the computers, you need to install or enable "File and Printer sharing", share a drive or directory and set the proper access permissions. 7) The default gateway and DNS settings only need to be set if you're connecting to the Internet (or other network). Those settings will very slightly depending on how you're connecting to the Internet and how you what to share that connection. For good instructions on the different methods and procedures for sharing an Internet connection, take a look at: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/

Those methods seem like very long winded ways of going about it...there is a simpler way of simply plugging in the cable and running the Windows Networking Wizard.....thats all it takes! All u gotta do is give each machine a diffrent name, and the same workgroup name. All the other stuff just adds unnecessary complication.

Thanks dv8, I was hoping someone would post that! Some people that come to these forums like to know exactly how it works...not just use a wizard.

dv8, you could be right. However, if that's all it takes, why do you think alot of people come to sites like this AFTER they're unable to setup the network using the wizard. Don't you think it's a good idea to know how or why some things work or don't work and how to do things WITHOUT wizards?

Well yes, maybe....i know how/why it works without a wizard....but i still ran the wizard, simply becuase it takes far less effort. I've never had any problems as a result of running the wizard. No need to get snappy mate, not every1 who comes here will be an expert!