[84porsche]

I assumed both machines are running Win XP. Once connected, crossover cable, make sure that both machines have the same workgroup set-up: i.e. WORKGROUP. To change/check this, right click on My Computer, Click Properties, Click Computer Name, and one of the options will be Workgroup. If they are the same, you should be able to see the respective machines from each of the computers under view Workgroup Computers from My Network Places menu.