How is it done?

Thanks.

Edit: Moved topic to the more appropriate forum. ~ Animal

Well, you could use a crossover cable...or simply use regular ethernet cable (Cat 5) and set up a home network. The two cables are somewhat different animals.

IMO, the easiest way is simply to use the Network Wizard in XP, following instructions.

Setting up a Windows XP home network - http://www.geekgirls.com/windowsxp_home_network.htm

Louis

I don't have a modem or router just this one cable. Is it possible to do it with just the cable?

As long as both computers have an ethernet connection/NIC...it can be done.

A router is an intermediate (but not necessary) device which is used to facilitate connections between 2 or more computers and which adds some degree of safety to Internet access.

A modem is a device for connecting to the Internet.

Neither is necessary for a home network (although they are routinely present in home networks).

Louis

My main problem seems to be this:

Both are currently connected with a lan cable but when I go to create a network it tells me that since it's not connected I have to ignore it.

My second problem seems to be that I have no way to create that network disc. One of my computers is a laptop and it has no floppy drive. I also dont have the windows xp cd.

You need a Cross-Over cable, otherwise known as a Null cable. They look just like a standard Ethernet cable only the wiring on the plug connection is different

What does it look like? Where can I get it?

What are Straight and Crossover Cables
Usually you can purchase these types of cables anywhere you can buy computer and networking accessories or even online.