Trouble with Home Network

[Guest]

I'm having trouble with a home network between my desktop and my laptop. I use an ethernet cable (crossover) to connect the two. I've used the set-up wizard on both computers, and I've tried setting it up manually. My internet access is dial-up through the desktop. Sometimes the LAN works okay, but usually quits when I try to transfer files. Right now, the taskbar icon on the laptop says I'm connected to the internet through the desktop, but neither IE or OE recognizes the connection. I can ping the laptop from the desktop, and the desktop from the laptop, but that's all I can do. Is there a step by step manual for setting up a home network that works and keeps on working? Help!

 

[RandyH]

save your headaches and get yourself a router or hub.

I'm having trouble with a home network between my desktop and my laptop.

I use an ethernet cable (crossover) to connect the two. I've used the
set-up wizard on both computers, and I've tried setting it up manually. My
internet access is dial-up through the desktop. Sometimes the LAN works
okay, but usually quits when I try to transfer files. Right now, the
taskbar icon on the laptop says I'm connected to the internet through the
desktop, but neither IE or OE recognizes the connection. I can ping the
laptop from the desktop, and the desktop from the laptop, but that's all I
can do. Is there a step by step manual for setting up a home network that
works and keeps on working? Help!