Hey thanks Joe:
The cable used came out of a old LinkSys box I had lying around.
So let's boil this down a little. I understand the difference between straight through and crossover, so that's good.
Set my expectation, I am not going to be able to access CWIS with a Windows 8.1 x64 system, period. T / F (True/False)
I can gain some or partial access to Scan via 'Scan to File' as a machine resource and manipulatting FTP? T / F
Your belief at this time is that I am utilizing a straight through network cable not a crossover cable. T / F
I have the ability to make my own crossover cable. T / F, ha ha this question is for me, YES I CAN by golly.
If I make my own crossover cable, and connect both machines, I'll be in heaven? T / F Conditions may apply? T / F
My best,
Chris