networking two XP PRO systems

Networking XP

*****Most Networking Problems with XP*****

Are caused by Firewalls (either hardware or software)
If you have Zone Alarm, Black ICE Defender etc turn them off! If the problem goes away, you need to reconfigure the firewall. Also Windows XP by default has a built in firewall (ICF) to disable
1.  Open Network Connections (Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double click Network Connections.)
 
2.  Click the Dial up, LAN or High–Speed Internet connection that you want to protect, and then, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.
 
3.  On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, select the following:  Clear the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box. This disables the firewall; your computer and network are then vulnerable to intrusions.


*****Full Walkthrough of networking XP Home*****

How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 1)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=813936
How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 2)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=813937
How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 3)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=813938
How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 4)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=813939
How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 5)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=813940
How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 6)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=814003
How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 7)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=814004
How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 8)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=814005


Adding XP to a network

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/addxp.htm

Windows XP Network troubleshooting

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot/

Make sure both computers are part of the same workgroup (have the same workgroup name)
Share the C:\ drive with full permissions
Get a cheep switch  25$ link below
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00003006E/002-1066356-0097632?v=glance 
Hook the computer to the switch using strait through cables...

If you only have the 2 computers that you want to be able to communicate with each other, then just use a crossover network cable from one computer to the other.

Cheers,

fE

Hi folks - thanks for your responses..

I'm currently follwogin lyle-granger's suggestion and have run into a small hurdle.

Now, both computers have the same workgroup

As the administrator, I went to the laptop and added a share to my C drive by right clicking and selecting security and sharing. Created a new share, and changed permissions to full for everyone. Applied my changes and got a little hand under the folder icon. Now from the desktop machine, I went to "my network places" and I did indeed have a link to this new share that I had created on the laptop. I double clicked and it took me into the C drive directory.

However, when I try to click on any of the folders there, I get a window with the following error message...

\\LAPTOP\testconnec\photos is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions. Access is denied.

Hope you can help...I feel its not too far. My ultimate goal is just to copy the C drive to my new computer as the laptop is on its last legs.

Thanks folks! - Perfect...copying my data right now