direct parallel b/w me and xp

I am trying to do a direct parallel cable connection
between my windows me (host) and windows xp (guest) in
order to transfer some files. At first, I kept getting
error 732 on the xp saying that they couldn't negotiate
ppp control protocols. Now, when I try to connect, the
screen 'Verifying User Name and Password' comes up almost
immediately on the xp, while on the me it either
says 'waiting for guest computer to connect' or it reboots
itself automatically. This rebooting has happened at
least 10 times- I have installed all the protocols I think
I need and taken care of the internet firewall issue as
well. Any ideas???