2 XP Pros with generic Netgear NICs, crossover cable

[goldfish]

ok, well when we go network places windows network we see toms computer but not mine, we have the same shares and set to the same accessability, and we both have password.

Also it wont let me into his share even with the correct password.
Any help?

[Kodo]

make sure netbios is turned on, on your pc.
in order for you to log on to the other pc, you must have the same account on your pc and be currently logged into that account or you must have the same account that you login to on your current machine on the other machine as well. EIther way, you need the same account on both machines. You can have different passwords, but the account name must be the same.

[SloppyGoat]

You also need to be in the same workgroup, and have shares.

[Kodo]

you don't need to be in the same work group. It does make it easier..but it's not necessary. Being in the same workgroup is only for NetBEUI.