connecting 2 computer together

Networking using a Crossover cable

http://www.5starsupport.com/tutorial/networking-crossover-cable.htm

How to Configure a Direct Cable Connection with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 1)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/814981/

Keep us informed as to your progress if you require further assistance. ;) :D

Generally speaking all you need do however is with Windows run the Network Setup Wizard and enable File & Printer Sharing.

But this may require you to install some Windows Components that where not installed by Default.

It gets a bit more complicated when you start attempting to connect different platforms together as a small peer to peer LAN.

Col

as they are back-to-back, there is no DHCP server to hand the addresses out.

Is there only the two computers and no internet?

Why on earth would you want to do this? Is this for a class?

Also, using a switch and two straight-through cables is easier than using a single crossover.

Got some more information you can give, like what the OS's are?