Simply connect a network cross-over cable, XP helps you set the 2 talking to each other, also internet and printer sharing can be set as part of this, and you don't need to play around with the slow x-over serial cabel, or expensive USB type cables or with any other programmes. Have same sort of set up at home.
1st run the setup from big computer then on the laptop.
You may require the firewall turned off during setup, then reactivate it.