Two-computer Network Setup Help
 

Well, here's what I have: Two computers: a 650MHz XP Pro machine, and a 2.4 gig XP Home machine, and a HP inkjet printer hooked up to the 2.4 via USB. I have a crossover cable connecting the two machines, located in two different rooms of the house. No broadband connection, otherwise I'm pretty sure I could just have a router, and have the computers networked that way...

Anyways, how do I go about networking them so 1) I can share files between the two (File sharing), and 2) I can print from my 650MHz machine (Printer sharing). I already physically connected the cable between the two but I don't know how to do it software-wise in Windows. And BTW, obviously with only a dial-up connection, ICS isn't necessary.

Thanks guys!

Really basic stuff sorry if you already know this:
If your using XP going to my network places and then click on set up a home or small office network. Run the wizard and it should work.

I tried this and basically the two computers recognize that they are there (icon shows up in the tray), but nothing else. Can't share files or the printer.

this may help you..

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

and a preliminary question...is ICF turned on, on either machine? if so, try disabling it and see if that gets you running. if so, and you want to continue to run ICF, then you will need to poke some holes in the windows firewall. are your machines running sp2?

You must enable each drive/folder/file/printer/or device to be shared individually. Have you done that???

That's right
 

If you just right click on the drive or printer and then go down to sharing. Turning read-only/full sharing on or whatever you want then it'll show them. You can also map them as network drives from the other computer if you want to have access to it without going into Network Neighborhood.

Hmm, ok, odd? My computer sees the printer, it even shows up in my printer list. I try printing, and I get a printer error. I'm about ready to give up on this...

Do you have a print server, or does your printer have a ethernet connection on it?

have you installed the printer drivers on both computers?