desktop-local area connection-ethernet to usb adaptor-
ip address=192.168.0.2
subnet mask=255.255.255.0
default gateway=192.168.0.1
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laptop....all the same as above apart from ip is 192.168.0.3
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Just figured out that the laptop needs the command \
winnt\system32
.......pinging the desktop just gets 'timed out'
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....and that was done with all firewalls
off.