networking problems

hi all,
i'm trying to set up a little network so that i can run software like fx teleport and maxivista to extend the life of my current computers. here is what i want to be able to do:

1. use a crossover cable to connect the two computers directly, and run the software using this connection.

2. still be able to use a wireless network to access the internet from either or both computers, but not necessarily at the same time as the wired network is functioning between the two computers.



so far, i have connected the two computers together with the crossover cable, but can only get a ping response from my desktop when sent from my laptop. when i try it the other way, the request times out. both are using the most up to date versions of XP SP 2.

if i haven't provided enough info, please let me know and i'll add whatever is needed.

tia,
ilynx

You might try temporarily disabling the firewall to make sure that there's nothing going on there.

Really all you need to do is go into network properties for each computer and set a static IP - something like 192.168.1.1 and x.x.1.2 with a 255.255.255.0 subnet mask and no default gateway or DNS server information. From there you should have connectivity.

Then, you'll want to right click on specific folders and choose the 'share' option from the context menu and give the appropriate permissions.

Then connect to the other machine using \\192.168.1.x

Alternatively, you could buy a cheap 4 port hub or switch and use standard cables and do the exact same thing with the IP addressing (or if the device is also a router it can dynamically assign and IP address to the devices connecting to it).

A lot of ways to skin the cat - but it's very straightforward.