Hi,
You can setup the direct cable connection between the Windows xp computers
by following the steps in the article given below:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305621&Product=winxp
#appliesto
or
How To Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP
This article was previously published under Q305621
SUMMARY
To Make a Direct Cable Connection
To Set Up the Host Computer
To Set Up the Guest Computer
Troubleshooting
REFERENCES
SUMMARY
A direct cable connection is a link between the input/output (I/O) ports of
two computers by using a single cable rather than a modem or other
interfacing device. In most cases, you make a direct cable connection with
a null modem cable. You can use a direct cable connection to transfer
information between the computers to exchange files, access resources, and
so on.
To Make a Direct Cable Connection
Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network
Connections.
Under Network Tasks, click Create a new connection, and then click Next.
Click Set up an advanced connection, and then click Next.
Click Connect directly to another computer, and click Next.
Choose the role this machine will play in the communication. If this
computer has the information to which you need to gain access, click Host.
If this computer will access information from the other computer, click
Guest.
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To Set Up the Host Computer
Click the connection device that you want to use for this connection (a
parallel or serial port, or an infrared port), and then click Next.
Grant access to the users who are allowed to connect by selecting the
appropriate check boxes, and then click Next.
Click Finish to end the configuration process.
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To Set Up the Guest Computer
Type a name to identify this connection, and then click Next.
Click the connection device that you want to use for this connection (a
parallel or serial port, or an infrared port), and then click Next.
Decide whether this connection will be available for all users (click
Anyone's use), or only for you (click My use only), and then click Next.
Click Finish to end the setup process.
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Troubleshooting
To create a direct network connection that acts as a host, you must be
logged on as Administrator or be a member of the Administrators group.
Guest direct network connections do not require administrator-level rights.
If you specify your connection as a host when you create it, the connection
appears as Incoming Connections in the Network Connections folder.
You can create multiple direct connections by copying them in the Network
Connections folder. You can then rename the connections and modify
connection settings. By doing so, you can easily create different
connections to accommodate multiple ports, host computers, and so on.
Direct connections can bypass authentication requirements. This is useful
for devices such as handheld computers. You must configure this setting in
the host incoming connection.
If you create a direct connection by using a serial (RS-232C) cable, the
port that you select in the New Connection Wizard is enabled for
connections that use a null modem.
If you are logged on to your computer as Administrator or a member of the
Administrators group when you create a direct connection, you see a list of
connection devices to choose from that includes all of the parallel ports
for the computer, infrared ports that are installed and enabled, and COM
ports. If you are logged on as a user who is not a member of the
Administrators group and you create a direct connection, the list of
devices includes the parallel ports for the computer, infrared ports that
are installed and enabled, and only the COM ports that are configured with
null modems. If you need to use a COM port for a direct connection, ask
your system administrator to configure one of the COM ports on your
computer with a null modem by using the Phone and Modem Options tool in
Control Panel.
Hope this helps.
S. Vijay
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights
