In order to share files across 2 OS's, you need to have VMware Workstation 4.5.xxx. Here are some tips:
1) When creating a Virtual Machine, use Custom as much as possible.
2) For your network connection, either use Bridged or NAT. When using Bridged, the guest OS is given direct access to an external network. With NAT, it access the host's dial-up or external network.
3) After creating a virtual machine, edit its settings.
4) Click the "Options" tab, then go to "Shared folders". Choose which directory you want shared (e.g. /home/username/), and give it a name.
5) When you have the guest OS running, make sure that VMware tools are installed.
6) Go to Windows Explorer, right-click on "My Network Places" and select "Map Network Drive".
7) Choose which drive you want to map it with, then click "Browse".
8) From there, you'll see the "VMware Shared Folders" and just select which one you want to map.
HTH.