Connecting two computers directly with crossover cat6 cable?

[Namie]

Okay, I understand I needed a "crossover" cable to connect two computers directly without any hub. I have the cable connected to the Ethernet ports for both computers, but now what? They're both Windows XP and in the same work group. I read some forums on the internet that you have to assign IP addresses manually? I thought this was going to be much simpler. Both computers already have an internet connection wirelessly from a third computer. I just want to transfer files from one computer to the other fast.

[Steve R Jones]

Look in the Windows HELP file for ICS - Internet Connection Sharing.

[Namie]

I think Windows Help files are usually really generic. I figured it out though!

I did have to assign a random IP address and disable firewall to work. Now I'm wondering how I can just share a folder to a specific user only. Right now it's set to everyone. Networking sure is confusing.