I have a local area connection (crossover cable) between 2 laptops. I am unable to change the location to "home" because the usual blue undelined "link" is black & not underlined!One computer can Ping the other but not vice versaEach can "see" the other but neither can "access" files on the other. All sharing options are activated & firewall exclusions in place.1 person needs an answerI do too

HiIf the computers are configured for Domain you have to change its general Network setting.http://www.ezlan.net/network/net-name.jpgOtherwise it is not so clear what it is now on (and might be that it does not matter).What you describe sounds more like Firewall blocking LAN communication, and permission to share configuration.Maybe this can Help.Make sure that the Software Firewall on each computer allows free local traffic. If you use 3rd party Firewall On, Vista/XP Native Firewall should be Off, and the active Firewall has to adjusted to your Network IP numbers on what is some time called the Trusted Zone (consult your 3rd Party Firewall instructionsGeneral example, http://www.ezlan.net/faq#trustedPlease Note that some 3rd party Software Firewalls keep blocking aspects of Local Traffic even it they are turned Off (disabled). If possible configure the Firewall correctly, or totally uninstall it to allow clean flow of local network traffic. If the 3rd party software is uninstalled or disables, make sure that Windows native Firewall is On .Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspxWindows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP -http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357In Win XP pro you can Visually see the Permission/Security setting, and configure them to your liking.http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/accesscontrol.mspx#securityTabWhen finished with the setting of the system it is advisable to Reboot all the hardware including the Router and all computers involved. Jack-MVP Windows Networking. WWW.EZLAN.NET