In this article, we are going to learn how to setup a LAN connection to connect between two different computers, both having Windows XP Operating system – by Peer to Peer (P2P) Network. If one machine have 32 bit and another with 64 bit, it won’t be matter as its has been fully tested by me. To make a LAN connection between two computers, its recommended to use a crossover cable as come older Network Interface Cards (NIC) doesn’t support straight cable if two computers are directly connected through it.
What we need
- Two computers with Windows XP operating system
- A crossover LAN cable
On computer 1
- Go to properties of My Computer (Win+Pause) > Computer Name tab.
- Press the Change button.
- Let’s name it PC1, choose Member of to WORKGROUP and press OK and restart computer.
Computer Name and Workgroup on Windows XP – PC1 - Go to Control Panel > Network Connections > open properties of LAN adapter.
- Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) > click on Properties > select Use the following IP address
- Set IP address: 192.168.0.1, Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0, Default gateway: blank, DNS: blank
LAN IP Configuration on Windows XP – PC1 - Press OK.
On computer 2
- Go to properties of My Computer (Win+Pause) and go to Computer Name tab.
- Press the Change button.
- Let’s name it PC2, choose Member of to WORKGROUP and press OK and restart computer.
Computer Name and Workgroup on Windows XP – PC2 - Go to Control Panel > Network Connections > open properties of the LAN adapter.
- Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) > click on Properties > select Use the following IP address
- Set IP address: 192.168.0.2, Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0, Default gateway: blank, DNS: blank
LAN IP Configuration on Windows XP – PC2 - Press OK.
File and Printer sharing settings
File sharing
- Go to Control Panel > Network Connections > open properties of LAN adapter.
- Check File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks > press OK.
- Right click on any folder or drive that we want to share > click on Sharing and Security…
- If sharing a drive click on ‘if you understand the risk…drive, click here’ message additionally.
- Check Share this folder on the network, additionally check Allow network users to change my files for read-write access and press OK.
- The shared drive/folder will be visible to opposite computer’s My Network Places.
Printer Sharing
- Open Start menu > Printer and Faxes > Select printer and right click > sharing.
- Select Share this printer > press OK.
- The shared printer will be visible to opposite computer’s My Network Places.

Please check the parent article for more information on computer networking: http://w3epic.com/connect-win-xp-win-7-win-8-server-2008-ubuntu-with-each-others
Need help, just leave a comment – I’ll be back to you.
Thanks.