Both machines need to be in the same workgroup, and on compatible IP
addresses.
In XP, find the network adaptor either the icon in the tray or by going to
Start|connect to|Show all. Right click the icon and select Status. Click the
Support tab.
In 2000 you need to find the connection, I think it is in Control
Panel|Networking, but not sure. Anyway, you should be able to find it and
get properties. Find the TCP/IP protocol in the list and click the
properties button.
You need to set suitable values for the ip address, subnet mask and other
stuff. Look at the values on the XP machine. The only one that should not be
the same is the IP address itself. If the XP machine has 192.168.0.1, set
the 2000 machine to 192.168.0.2, for instance. It's that last group that
should be changed. I expect the subnet mask to be 255.255.255.0.
Once you have compatible settings for IP and Subnet, and both machines are
in the same workgroup, you should start seeing communication. Actually
browsing 'the other machine' may take a few minutes.
HTH
Dave