Data transfer laptop to laptop

I have recently acquired a new laptop and would like to transfer files and
programmes (software) from the old one. They both run XP and a bit of
searching told me that I needed a 'cross over' cable to do this by direct
cable method. However, that does not seem to work.

a) on the new laptop the direct cable transfer does not come up as available
in the File Transfer Wizard

b) when connecting the cable both laptops indicate that there is no
connectivity

As transfer by disc or USB stick is slow, cumbersome and potentially leaving
bits and pieces behind, I was hoping there might be a way to get this
working in a more direct way. I do have a wireless hub. Might that work?
Could it be best to try and clone the C-drive onto an external HD and copy it
over?

All suggestions welcome

Many thanks in advance

Peter Mueller