Connecting two computers: not receiving packets, computers not seeing

[eurogeek]

I am trying to set up a simple peer-to-peer network using a CAT-5 crossover cable. It's been done before with the same equipment and I can't figure out what's wrong this time round. I'm using Windows XP Home and Professional Editions

Here's what I've done:

- the two computers are part of the same workgroup and each computer has a unique name (and yes, I rebooted the computers)

- I've tried different IP addresses (192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2 // 192.168.10.2 and 192.168.10.3, for example), Subnet mask 255.255.255.0

- I've ticked off the "share file" option on the folder I wanted to share

- I've even tried doing all of this using the wizard

- I've tried rebooting my computer to see if that makes any difference

- "Client pour les réseaux Microsoft" (It's in French, here's a rough translation: "Client for MS network") and "Partage de fichiers et d'imprimantes pour les réseaux Microsoft" (... "File and printer sharing for MS networks") are ticked off. In the case of the latter of the two, I cannot access "Properties"

Symptoms:

- When I try to add a new Network link, the only computer that shows up on each computer is the actual computer from which I am working on. I cannot see the other computer (the same in both cases). The computers don't seem to be able to 'see' each other.

- Ditto when I try to see other computers in work groups, etc.

- I cannot see any shared folders anywhere... they are really no where to be found

- On both computers, packets are being sent but not received

Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong? I've done lots of reading on the Net and cannot find a solution to this problem. I've spent several hours on it!

Many thanks.

[dca]

This may help:

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/qa/qa20030213.shtml

[Scarecrow Man]

You can also try the network setup wizard. It will do most of the work for you.