Peer to peer home network permissions

[MorseLady]

I want to transfer some large files from my old computer to my new one and have successfully set up a peer to peer connection with a CAT 5 cable but only after manually configuring the IP address to get the network up. I used the network setup wizard and the network is called MSHome.

Old computer name EI is running XP Home SP1 and new computer name EVESHAM is running XP Pro SP2 both OEM. I have enabled the files I want as non encrypted shares. Network address 169.254.XXX.XXX same on both machinesand subnet is 255.255.0.0.

No problems with connectivity as shown by the LAN icons, Status and the fact that both green lights are on. But the machines are not talking to each other. I have forgotten all I learned in my MCP classes and have yet to do my exams and feel a right dummy over not being able to set up a simple peer to peer network but I did set up one some time ago between XP Home and ME so what is the problem now? Is it an XP Pro or SP2 issue for instance?

I have an icon on my new computer for the old one but when I click on it or try to gain access any way I get the following message

\\EI is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions.

The network path was not found.

Comments on that message is that I tried talking to myself to get permissions from myself and as for network path it won't let me map a drive.

I am going mental over this and it's taken up so much of my time having spent 3 hrs until the early hours last night and all morning trying to get my files off the old computer. There is over 20GB of stuff I want and a bit much to use CD RWs or my half gig pen drive.

ADDED LATER: I have noticed that I appear to have three network apps on this computer because in My Network Places I have 1394 Connection One and 1394 Connection 2 as well as the actual LAN is this the problem? Having said that I can only find one LAN and one Telephone Modem port on the back but lots of Firewire ports. I am using dial up but have configured the network as non ICS as we have a possible security breach on our internet connection and the Bank have had to freeze my husband's Internet Banking