network two computers

[wammel]

What exactly are the settings required to network two computers? They're both running Windows XP Home and I have the correct crossover cable. Both have working network cards but display the (network cable unplugged) message. Disabling the firewall doesn't help and neither does the connection wizard. Can I set it up manually?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[vehelpfulguy]

Both computer must have a shared folder. This is easy to create, just right click on a folder (any folder, maybe one in My Documents), and select Sharing and Security.

Also make sure both computers are in the same workgroup (go into network settings and change the workgroup name so they are both the same - HOUSE for example). Then reboot.

[vehelpfulguy]

You may also need to set up tcp/ip correctly for each PC.

Read more here:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/qa/qa20030 213.shtml

Once you have an ip address for each PC go into a command prompt window and try to "ping" the other PC.

ping 111.222.333.444 (replace with your numbers)

If you get nothing back then the two PCs canot even see each other.