xp network he_ _

I have a home computer windows xp pro and a laptop xp home. I have tried and spent hours trying to get the network to work. I used to have 2 98 computers and this same home computer with me and it worked great, after xp I can not get a network to happen. I have spent hours trying everything I find on the web, it will set up and work one time and then it is gone. I have tried network hubs, crossover cables ect. Is there anyway I can use software to run a network without using xp networking? Hopefully freeware or cheap.
I want to share printer and harddrive space???????

dont know if this is relavant but. I am having a similar issue. If i enable netBIOS over tcp/ip on my 2 2000 pro machines I have no problems accessing all the files on each computer.

Since both pc's have the same login and password. I dont have to put in a login or pass to go into C$ or Admin$.

however. The internal network will not work unless netbios is enabled over tcp/ip. I can still access the web though but no LAN pc's. I am under the assumption that TCP/IP is all you need for any networking. it worked fine with xp (when I had it)

(im actually asking a question and helping with yours at the same time....sorry if this is constreued as hijacking a post but I would think this would be a relavent question you would also need answered)

Don't use the Networking Wizards unless you're Harry Potter!

You need Clinet for MS Networks, Qos packet Scheduler (install by default) File & print Sharing Services, TCP/IP and nothing else. In the Advanced TCP/IP settings, enable NetBios over TCP/IP.

Install all of these manually after you delete your current setup and start over.

Are you using a router to share a connection or just establishing a P2P LAN?

Install all of these manually after you delete your current setup and start over

how do I do this

right now I am using a crossover cable

Look here for the basics:

www.homenethelp.com

I installed the Qos packet Scheduler which was not on eather computer. Now it works I can print to the main computer from my laptop transfer files ect. but tell me these things.
1. I can't see the laptop from my main computer (files are shared) although I can transfer files to and from it from the laptop.
2. If I restart eather computer I have to go in the laptop and use repair connection to get it to work again.

thanks

Make sure the Firewalls (XP Built-IN) are disabled and then reboot.