connecting 2 computers with XP

[MARKBLACK]

Hi, today my relation came to see me, he brought his lap top - I was trying to connect it to my machine but it wouldn't have it - we connected a cross over cable - but there seems to be that many options we give up. anybody got any basic network setup sites. in network connection there is broadband connection (diconnected wan miniport pppoe) local area connection 2 (enabled usb cable modem 351000) network bridge(network cable unplugged MAC bridget miniport) & lastly local area connection (network cable unplugged realtek RTL819 family PCI..)
the last 2 has red crosses through them, my relation has left now but I am trying to work this out so I can connect my daughters machine running 98 to mine.

[Rick]

Originally posted by MARKBLACK
lastly local area connection (network cable unplugged realtek RTL819 family PCI..)
the last 2 has red crosses through them, my relation has left now but I am trying to work this out so I can connect my daughters machine running 98 to mine.

Those red X markers are telling you that the NIC cards are disabled
If you are using them to connect the systems you need to enable them first. ( In Device manager )
Make sure the correct drivers are installed for them.

Then install the MS client , Protocol , and services you want to use.. ( file and printer sharing)
In XP you can use the wizard to setup your local connection between the two systems.

If one is running win98 or below .
Make sure the NIC is installed and the drivers are installed. ( Win98 will install some of the clients and protocols for you) then add the other services
Select the network properties and under the Identification Tab in network properties
assign it a work group name (Name Must match in both systems )