I received new lap top and it will not let me connect to the network. it calls it a homegroup instead and I have a homenetwork already set up with my other computer. i need to connect this computer to the network so that i can use the printer that is connected to the desktop and also use files on my desktop.

HiThere is Homegroup which is unique to Win 7 and Home Network which is on all Windows OS.-------------------------------------This is the long Story.Win7 when configured on peer-to-peer Network has three types of Sharing configurations.HomeGroup = Works only between Win 7 computers. This type of configuration makes it very easy to Entry Level Users to start Network sharing.Home Network or Work Network = Basically similar(and better) to the previous methods of WorkGroup sharing that let you control what, how, and to whom folders would be shared with. Public Sharing = Public Network (like Internet cafe) to reduce security risks. For best results log to each computer's System Screen and set all the computers to be on a Network with the same name while each computer has its own unique name.http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_name.jpgMake sure that the Software Firewall on each computer allows free local traffic. If you use 3rd party Firewall On, Vista/XP Native Firewall should be Off, and the active Firewall has to adjusted to your Network IP numbers on what is some time called the Trusted Zone (consult your 3rd Party Firewall instructionsGeneral example, http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#trustedPlease Note that some 3rd party Software Firewalls keep blocking aspects of Local Traffic even it they are turned Off (disabled). If possible configure the Firewall correctly, or totally uninstall it to allow clean flow of local network traffic.If end up with the 3rd party software uninstalled or disabled, make sure that Windows native Firewall is On .------------------------------Networking Win 7 with other version of Windows as Work Network (works very well if all computers are Win 7 too).In the Network Center, clicking on the Network type opens the window to the right.Choose your type of Network. Notice the check mark at the bottom, and check/uncheck it according to your needs.http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_type.jpgWin 7 - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Networking-home-computers-running-different-versions-of-WindowsWin 7 Work Network specific folder sharing - http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windows7/windows7_sharing.htm Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040In Win XP Pro with simple sharing Off, you can Visually see the Permission/Security setting , and configure them to your liking.http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/accesscontrol.mspx#securityTabPrinter Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspxWindows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista (Not need for XP-SP3) - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120 When finished with the setting of the system it is advisable to Reboot all the hardware including the Router and all computers involved.-------------If you have Permission and Security issues with Vista/Win7, check the following settings.Point to the a Folder that meant to to be share. Right click and choose properties.In the propertiesClick on the Security tab shown in the pic bellow to the right) and check that the users and their permission (shown in the pic bellow center and left) are correctly configured. Then do the same to the Permission tab.This screen shot is from Win 7, Vista's menus are similar.http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/Permission-Security.jpgIn both the Security panel, and the Permission panel you have to highlight each User/Group and examine that the Permission Controls are checked correctly.When everything is OK, Reboot the Network (Router, and computer).* Note . The Groups and Users shown in the screen-shoot are just an example. Your list will look the way your system is configured.**Note . All users that are allowed to share need to have account onall the computers that they are allowed to connect to.Everyone is an account, it means a group of all of the users that already have an account and been established as users. It is available to avoid the need of configuring permission to each on its own, it does not mean Everyone that feel that they would like to login. Jack - Microsoft MVP, Windows Networking. WWW.EZLAN.NET