Simple network?

[Politically Incorrect]

Ok here is the issue, all i want to do is hook my laptop and desktop together.
I got a Cat6 crossover, plugged in one end into each pc, thinking all I had to do was run the wizard to get the two too talk to each other. Find out it isn't that simple.

The wizard assumes that the two pcs will share internet which I don't want, and it seems in order to access files I must go through and "allow" sharing of said files for every one that i want to be able to access.
Such as my harddrive on the laptop, i want to be able to access it via my desktop.

In my Network places it will appear, and even show all folders on the hard drive, when i click on a folder it won't allow access until I go and set that file for sharing.

Bottom line is, how can I do this so that I can access files on each pc without all this hassle, you know something easy like hooking up a external hard drive?

Also the laptop keeps telling me I have limited or restricted access to the desktop, doesn't tell me how to fix that, tells me to talk to the admin, well that is me :) I have searched all over and can find oddles of info for wireless networking and also wired, but all the wired says is to connect the cable via ethernet and you done, not that simple LOL!

One more question, when I set the network for "file and printer sharing" I get a warning telling me that anyone on the internet and network can access my files.
Is this true? Can anyone on the internet access them? isnt there a way that I can block just the internet other than not being connected.

All i want and need is for the two pcs to connect together for simple file transfer, I would like to be able to access every part of each pc, that and to possible use for FS9 together, and all Im getting is five minute hassles just to open a folder to be told I don't have access  >:(

maybe it is something Im doing wrong, but it shouldn't really be this hard  ::)

[ctjoyce]

The easiest way to do this is go grab a hub, and plug the lappy and desktop into it.

As for the shared files. Anyone on your network can view them, not anyone on the internet. And I would strongly suggest against shareing your C drive.

Cheers
Cameron

[NicksFXHouse]

I do the exact same thing on my home system but use a hub. It appears you have everything working but you need to understand security.,.. Cam is right you should not allow full access by sharing the "C" or other drives unless you KNOW for a fact there is no internet or othewr access available and/or you KNOW how to set up security.

Quite simply you should use a repository folder for file sharing. Windows calls this folder: SHARED DOCUMENTS. Simply activate everything in the shared documents folder with FULL RIGHTS by setting the share documents folder to "ALLOW NETWORK USERS TO CHANGE MY FILES". At that point the only folder you will work from is SHARED DOCUMENTS so you put what you want to access on computer "A" in the shared documents folder and computer "b" can then access, copy, move or change the file.. and visa versa.

Any other method CAN mean the folder or drive you share is available to everyone... but there is a way to set things up so you are secure. if you want to share the entire C drive you can do that but be aware of the dangers.. if you want to be able to have full control from each system must always check the box in the SHARING tab: "ALLOW NETWORK USERS TO CHANGE MY FILES" to be able to make edits or deletes on the other drive form the network. You can also just share the entire MICROSOFT GAMES folder or any other folder on the system using the same methods I described above.

The GUEST account on both computers must NOT be checked as DISABLED

[Politically Incorrect]

Great thanks guys! I will get working on this asap. The help is greatly appreciated!