LAN

It would probably be easier to use a router instead of a hub....

if they have software firewalls on them theres a 98% chance that its blocking them
EDIT:
not sure but i think some xp versions have a built in firewall

(See Kaze's note)

Also, make sure they're in the same workgroup. (Right click on My Computer >> Properties >> "Computer Name" tab >> "Change" button)

Also, make sure they have IPX/SPX installed, just because WindowsXP networks are inherently evil and slow, and from my experience having IPX/SPX installed helps the comps see each other more easily (Especially in games that use both TCP and IPX). This is done by right clicking on the LAN connection (I'm assuming you know how to find this :P), Properties, the "Install" button, "Protocols", and "NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol".

Hope that helps...

Quote:

Original post by Kaze if they have software firewalls on them theres a 98% chance that its blocking them EDIT: not sure but i think some xp versions have a built in firewall

They both have Windows Firewall disabled, and the desktop is running 2003 Nortan Antivirus wilst the other runs 2006 Norten Internet Security. Problem there? I have Norten Internet Security set to accept the desktop computer.

My main problem is that I don't know how to send files back and forth. I right click on them and 'share' them, but it isn't being shared. Neither antivirus program has blocked it, at least not that I see.(I just checked)

SotL, are you sharing by using the "sharing" tab in your drive / directory's properties menu?

Quote:

Original post by Antisheep (See Kaze's note) Also, make sure they're in the same workgroup. (Right click on My Computer >> Properties >> "Computer Name" tab >> "Change" button) Also, make sure they have IPX/SPX installed, just because WindowsXP networks are inherently evil and slow, and from my experience having IPX/SPX installed helps the comps see each other more easily (Especially in games that use both TCP and IPX). This is done by right clicking on the LAN connection (I'm assuming you know how to find this :P), Properties, the "Install" button, "Protocols", and "NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol". Hope that helps...

Both are on the same workgroup. (Well, I named the workgroup the same anyway, there was no selection, so I figured that's how it's done)

Only one computer(the laptop) had the NetBIOS thing installed, so I installed it on the other as well.

Quote:

Original post by Antisheep SotL, are you sharing by using the "sharing" tab in your drive / directory's properties menu?

Yeah, am I not supposed to do it that way?

No, that's the right way. I just wanted to be sure.

If the computers can't find each other, try opening a window and making the address bar thingy visible (or just open IE) and then type //[Network-Node-Name-Of-The-Other-Computer]/

If it doesn't load, you're having some issues obviously. Try turning EVERYTHING off (computers, hub, modem) and then turning them back on in this order: modem - hub - computers. However much that seems like it WOULDN'T help...it does sometimes. And make sure you give the modem / hub time to fire up before moving on.

Edit: Let me know if this helps...

All right, who feels like an idiot? Go on and take a wild guess. Aparently there's this little checkbox in 'optional network compnets' under advanced in Network conection's folder. This checkbox is entitled 'Other Network File and Printer Services' and has a description of "Shares files and printers on this computer with others on the network" after clicking that and restarting it works fine.

Many, many, thanks for helping me and putting up with my idiocies, if that is a word...