I want to hook up my laptop to my PC throught ethernet cards. I have the crossover cable and I've tried to do what I know and it is not working. I want to be able to use my cable connection on both computers. So far I lost my connection on my PC and on the laptop the network I created is showing me what is on the laptop I am using. I have lights on both sides saying there is a connection, but when I try accessing it, both computers give me errors.

Both laptop and PC have to have the same Workgroup name but different computer names. It might also be useful to create the same username and password on both systems. Make sure the PC and Laptop have the same protocols (TCP/IP) and that File and Print Sharing is enabled. Also make sure that the IP settings are similar (for example, Laptop IP = 192.168.0.x4 SNM = 255.255.255.0, PC IP = 192.168.0.x5 SNM = 255.255.255.0 If all else fails, try using NetBEUI to see both systems. Sometimes XP and 98 act flakey together, but all is good once NetBEUI is installed. XP has it located in the VALUEADD section of the install CD.