Xp to Xp Direct Cable Connection difficulties

[Cicely]

I'm trying to get an Xp PC to connect as a host or a guest to another Xp PC.

The parallel cable I'm using is an IEEE 1284 cable which cost about 17 dollars.

The host computer is set to recieve guests w/o passwords and the guest is set to connect to the name of the computer which is host. I've followed the connection wizard's instructions.

The computer which is dialing says its verifying username and password and a minute passes before an error message appears saying that the remote computer disconnected.
The host computer remains idle as if it can't feel the other computer dialing to it.
Both paralell ports are ECP.

Does anyone know what is going on?
Help is appreciated. Thanks
Cicely

 

[AvayaNovice]

I believe you need a null modem cable, don't you? Or am I incorrect.

 

[Cicely]

I believe that the cable I have is a null-modem cable.
Its a cable that fits into the paralell ports of both computers. Its bi-directional.

 

[cadamg]

In case you are still looking (although posting dates indicate you may alrady have found the solution), here is some good information on connecting local computers via cables.

http://www.vision.net.au/~timotsc/null/nullmodem.htm

Good luck.