direct cable connection

[oldbuttrying]

Hope I have just a simple problem. I want to hook up my laptop to my desktop using direct cable connection. Been trying for a few weeks frustration has set in. Laptop has win 95 desktop has win 98. when they try to connect they say they (both laptop and desktop) are verifiying username and pasword , well ok that goes thru although I have no idea what they are comparing. Then the laptop wants to know the server computers name ?? huh?? tried about everything I can find for drive letters ,usernames and setup names there are. The laptop then says "cant find host". At that time the server says LPT1 diconnected. OK what am I screwing up on? What is the laptop looking for in the hosts computers name?

[Jim200]

Go to Network under your control panel. Click the identification tab. You can either use the name that has been assigned or type a new name (anything will do). I also believe that you must have "client for ms networks" installed or you won't see an identification tab.