First off thanks to you all for your help & suggestions - So much for with WinXP networking is a doddle!!! It would appear that I am up & running now after following all of your suggestions. Not exactly sure which specific event fixed it as it all came together peicemeal & after several reboots.
Keef - how does the usb crossover work? Not the 1&0s!! but does it work the same as any other usb device where you will see the other computer in explorer?
Once again thanks guys
Regards
GG