ethernet networking

[pwjnc]

I am trying to network two computer. I am trying to get files from a Dell desktop professional xp to a laptop Gateway home xp. I have a cat5e Ethernet
cable to join them together. I have run the ipconfig on both computer and got
the two different ip address. When I tried to used start---run with the ip address in it it said the network path could not be found. So what am I doing wrong. If by chance I need crossover cables can you tell me how that works and what I need to get it to work. Thanks

[jdc2000]

If you are connecting the two computers directly without using a hub or switch, then you will need a crossover ethernet cable.

[pwjnc]

can you use a router instead of a hub or a switch?

[jdc2000]

A router should work as well.