Help911, usually, with no TCP/IP internet connection such as through a DSL modem and/or router, you can connect 2 pcs together using a cross-over CAT5 RJ45 cable

Or a hub with an uplink port to connect a non cross-over CAT5 cable.

A pre-made CAT5 cross-over cable is much easier to use (and buy, too, rather than making it yourself), which you can easily buy at your local computer store. And it's pretty INexpensive, too. ;)

Help911, OK, this is what you do:

If you don't already have "MY COMPUTER" icon on your desktop, paste it there by copying it from the START button. When you left-click on "START", on the 2nd column of the pop up menu, you'll see "MY COMPUTER".
Right-click on it, and left-click on "show on desktop".

Once you have "MY COMPUTER" icon on your desktop screen, highlight and right-click it. Scroll all the way down to "PROPERTIES" and left-click it. You'll see several tabs.

Left-click on "COMPUTER NAME". Then, go down to NETWORK ID button. When you click on it, a NETWORK WIZARD will pop up, hit NEXT. Then on the next screen, choose the 2nd option: " This computer is for home use...etc..." When you're done with the WIZARD, return to the "'COMPUTER NAME", tab. Underneath the NETWORK ID button, left-click on CHANGE button. In the "WORKGROUP" section, make up a name in place of WORKGROUP or you can keep it if you like.

Then, go through the same process with your other WIN XP computer--in NETWORk ID & CHANGE buttons.

Your WORKGROUP name on both computers has to be the same, or else, your 2 computers won't be able to see each other. Then, re-boot.

Now, if you would like to share FOLDERS or files, or the C: drive, just right-click on any one of them , or more if you like, and left-click/select "SHARING and SECURITY" line in the middle after you've right-click. In the SHARING tab, click on "If you understand the risk....etc.."

Then, go to NETWORK SHARING and SECURITY, put a check by "share this folder on the nwetwork". Then, re-start. :D