I originally asked it in Yahoo answers but due to one way communication there, I was unable to get the answers and then give them the feedback. I am posting this here with a hope that it may solve my problem.

Cross over cable networking problem?

I'm trying to network 2 pc's both running XP Pro sp2. I have assigned IP addresses to both pc's as follows:-
Pc1 :- 192.168.0.1 pc2 : 192.168.0.2

Subnet :- 255.255.255.0

I have named the workgroup :- MSHOME

I ve shared folders on both PC's I can see the work group from both PC's but on "pc1" I see "pc1" in workgroup

And on "pc2" I see empty workgroup. I have disabled Windows firewall from PC 1 and pc2 and also avast antivirus from both.

I can ping pc1 from pc2 and vice versa but in some websites they say I should get five ping replies but I am getting only three here.

File sharing is enabled on both the computers. I thing I need to mention it here that I have cable net but I don't use both the computers simultaneously most of the time. When I try to connect them, I unplug the cable net wire from the router and plugin both the pcs then I try to connect them using the ips etc. I tried the right click drive then sharing then enable sharing thing but it didn't help me

I tried automatic ip as suggested by one of the answerers but it did not work. I tried netbios over ip but still the computer was not reached even after typing the designated ip. Can anyone tell me the required set of services needed to setup a network connection between two computers? I am using router so please tell me what can I do to make the sharing drive(s) or folder(s) or even the second computer to appear in workgroup

I am thinking of things that could affect access -- set up sharing on both computers

Being on same workgroup -- Try network Wizzard on both machines

Or a program you might want to try is Network Magic

PC World - PC World Downloads - Network Magic

Not working sir. Thanks for your help though

Are u on internet or just local network