Getting a G4 and MacBook Pro to transfer files via ethernet

Question

Thank you for the help on setting up file sharing. File sharing looks to be working on both computers (now) but it prompts a new question: I now have a problem with the ethernet connection. I unlugged my cable modem ethernet cable and connected it to the ethernet port on the back of the G4 and to the MacBook Pro ethernet slot (as recommended in Mac Help). I opened File Sharing in both computers. I've followed the steps in Mac Help to get the MacBook Pro to recognize the G4 so I can start transfering files to the MBP. No success getting them to "see" each other.
It appears that the MacBook Pro wants me to do it over the Internet but Mac Help is telling me I can do it directly from computer to computer since I've got them connected via the ethernet cable. (Step 3. is "connect to server" and, once connected, there is a "browse" option). My hope is to use the G4 as the "server" but I can't determine how to make the MBP connect to the G4 so I can transfer files. (each computer has a different name.)
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you.
PowerMac G4 Mac OS 9.2.x MacBook Pro 17" laptop 2.16 GHz, 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

Answer 1

Thanks for the suggestion. In following your recommendation I get a window on my MBP that says, "Connection failed. The server may not exist or it is not operational at this time. Check the server name of IP address."
In trying to "connect," I've inserted the ethernet cable into the port on the MBP and the G4. So, I'm not connected to the cable modem. Since there is only one ethernet port on each computer, that seemed sensible. Maybe not.
On the MBP I also tried, in the Sharing folder under "Internet," there is an option to share my built-in MBP ethernet connection with the built-in G4 ethernet. When I tried that a message popped up saying, "if you turn on this port, your ISP might terminate your service to prevent you from disrupting its network. In some cases (if you use a cable modem - which I do - you might unintentionaly affect the network settings of your ISP and violate the terms of your service agreement."
On the G4 I've enabled file sharing and enabled file sharing clients to connect over TCP/IP.
I don't know if this is relevant, but my TCP/IP on the G4 is configured to connect via Ethernet and configure using DHCP server.
Thank you.
The most consistent way I have found, is to use the
IP address. The Browse function should work, but
sometimes it does not.
If you want to connect from the MBP to the G4 (G4's
volume shows up on MBP desktop), you need to know the
IP address of the G4. Go to the TCP/IP control panel
(on the G4). You should see the G4's IP address
there. Note it down.
On the MBP, go to Menu -> Go -> Connect to Server...
as you have already done. Instead of hitting the
Browse, just type in that IP address where it says
Server Address. Now hit the Connect button.
You should be prompted for user name and password for
the G4.
PowerMac G4 Mac OS 9.2.x MacBook Pro 17" laptop 2.16 GHz, 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM