Hi everyone, I've got two computer (1 laptop and 1 desktop) both running windows xp pro. I want to move some files from one pc to the other. I already know that I need a cross over cable, and I bought it, but I don't know what to do next.. I used the guided configuration for local networks on win xp but didn't work... how do I configure the two computers to "see" eachother? Please help me!! THanks

http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/HomeNet-start.asp helped me some...

run xp net config wizard it will configure it for you all you need is the cable

Sorry I meant using a parallel or serial cable from one pc to the other. WinXp will auto configure this way. I doubt it will work with 2 ethernet cards\ethernet cable if you do not have a router

thank you everyone. Up to now I haven't solved the problem, the site amd_freak gave me was interesting, but I followed their instruction and it didn't work either... to spectrad301: A lot of site and forums on the net assured me that you just need a cross-over cable and 3 ethernet cards to connect 2 pc...although I could use parallel or serial, it would be a really small connection for my needs... Nevermind..I'll keep on trying.

If they both have an ethernet card, and you have a crossover cable it's definitely possible! 1)Both computers should be in the same workgroup (you should also name each computer with an easy name, ie desktop and laptop) 2)set tcp/ip address ie. desktop 192.168.1.1, subnet 255.255.255.0 laptop 192.168.1.2, subnet 255.255.255.0 3)enable file and print sharing 4)for any files / folders / drives / printers you want to share, right click on them and choose sharing (or properties and then sharing tab) and enable sharing on that device If you just want to move files from one to the other, just share the drive on the computer that holds the data you want to move, then go to the other computer, browse to it (You can click on start, run and type \\computername (Where computername is the name of the computer you want to connect to) then copy whatever it is you want to the new computer... respond with any particular errors/ problems you have, but it should be that simple