1 PC Vista and 1 pc XP

I have a laptop with a lot of data from earlier and am curious if i can connect it to my main desktop PC.
the laptop is running Win XP sp2 and the desktop is running Vista home premium.
I have a crossover cable but when i tried it the Vista PC did not recognize it but the laptop (xp ) did see the desktop but would not let me access it.

Any help gratefully received

PS I know i can transfer files via a flash drive but i would like to do it direct if possible.

 

Do you use a wireless router for your internet, if so you can setup a small network, I also use a cable called USB link cost me €18.00. You have to install drivers for it.

 

No i have both on LAN using Devolo.

http://www.devolo.co.uk/uk_EN/index.html

 

Read up on these BILL. They may help you out.

Network Map in Windows Vista does not display computers that are running Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

File and Printer Sharing in Windows Vista
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx
(May want to disable password protected sharing for this short term link.)