I have connected 2 computers together by a direct link cable.
Crossover cable?
Several things you need to check:
1.) Are both computers in the same workgroup? To check right click on "My Computer" and select properties, then go to the "Computer name" tab.
2.) Make sure the firewall is tured off for the Local Area connection under "Network Connections"
You also need to set the IP numbers for each computer:
1.) Go to "Network connections"(in Control pannel).
2.) Right click on Local Area Connection and select properties.
3.) Double click on "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)"
4.) Select "Use the following IP adddress"
5.) (a.) (for the computer you are sitting at)In the "IP address" blank put 10.0.0.1
(b.) (get on the other computer)In the "IP address" blank put 10.0.0.2
6.) In the "Subnet Mask" blank put 255.255.255.0 on both computers.
7.) Click of and restart both computers.
Now if you share a folder/file(by going to its properties) you should be able to transfer them over the network.
Hope this helps,
-Andy