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How do I set up a network between a Windows XP desktop & a Windows Vista Basic notebook?

I can access the internet through both computers but I can't access one computer from the other. They don't show up on the other computer. The desktop running XP is wired through a wireless router. The notebook running Vista Basic uses a wireless connection. The help I've read seems to apply only if both computers are using the same edition of Windows. I might be missing the obvious step here so could someone please point it out for me? BTW, the notebook picked up the router and set up a network for internet access immediately. The desktop had to be reset before it picked everything up. The router is a dlink. ISP is road runner with time warner if that makes a difference. Thanks a lot for any assistance.

Public Comments

1. Definately u can't access ur own computers each other as they are located in different network and the router is bridging these two different network. More technically, file sharing protocol of microsoft (IPX/SPX and NetBEUI compatible protocol in Windows XP) doesn't work on LAN with different physical topology. So, the best and secure way to share your file is just set up file sever (FTP) software in one of your computer, most likely in ur desktop. And then configure ur FTP server so that u can access from ur laptop. It won't get u any problem this time as FTP server is using the protocol which is based on TCP/IP protocol.
2. - Both computers should have same work group name. - enable file sharing on both of them. disable any anti-virus or firewall on both the pcs and then try to connect them. follow the steps mentioned in this MS page: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx You may also have to install this update on your Windows XP desktop to let it understand windows vista networking protocols: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=4F01A31D-EE46-481E-BA11-37F485FA34EA
3. I can access the internet through both computers but I can't access one computer from the other. They don't show up on the other computer. The desktop running XP is wired through a wireless router. The notebook running Vista Basic uses a wireless connection. The help I've read seems to apply only if both computers are using the same edition of Windows. I might be missing the obvious step here so could someone please point it out for me? BTW, the notebook picked up the router and set up a network for internet access immediately. The desktop had to be reset before it picked everything up. The router is a dlink. ISP is road runner with time warner if that makes a difference. Thanks a lot for any assistance.