XP Pro no manners-not sharing

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Hello All:
I am trying to connect 2 XP Pro systems via direct cable connection for the purpose of transfering files form old to new machine.(Need both machines to be the same). I think I am confused about hardware requirments. When I get to the screen when windows searches for direct connection it just runs and runs, never finds anything, even if I select the COM port manually. Each machine has NIC, only host has modem. How do I know if my serial cable is parrellel? ICC is installed and active. All apropriate protocols seem to be installed. I can set up LAN, says it was succesfull, but comps can't see each other, I also have options for USB port RJ45. I think I am lost,
gratefull for all crumbs.

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[MaDef]

If you are connecting nic to nic without a hub or switch you may need a crossover cable. Check with your local retailer for one, they are usually under 10 dollars.

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Thanks MaDef; I have several, just don't know how to tell them apart.
I will keep trying.

Regards

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[tbb9216]

Thanks MaDef; I have several, just don't know how to tell them apart.
I will keep trying.

the easiest way to tell if its crossover or not is compare the ends, if they match up, they are patch, if they are different, they are crossover:) i havent dont peer-2-peer for some time, but if memory serves me correctly, you need netBeui installed for it, so check into that as well, and youll need to set up ips automatically (which i would imagine defeated the purpose of netBeui, but check anyway)