hoping someone can help....recently set up new Sony Vaio laptop running Vista. after disabling all firewalls, was able to connect to existing network + see all network files. also set network to 'Private' and changed workgroup name on Vista to 'MSHOME'. all 'sharing + discovery' options are set to 'on', except 'password protected sharing'.problem is: i can see + access all XP files on the Vista laptop, but can't see or access any Vista files on the XP laptop. what am i missing?

Hello LAGirl, What firewall are you using a third party programor Windows Firewall? If so, what? Sometimes disabling doesn't always work. Disabling really doesn't solve the problem either as it leaves you unsecure. If you are using a firewall, you must configure it to properly configure the network. If the problem persists even after configuring the firewall, then uninstall all third party firewalls will help troubleshoot the network problem. To further diagnose your issue, please provide the ipconfig/all output from both computers. Eric Cross Microsoft MVP (Windows Networking) http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

EricThank you for your reply.3rd party firewall apps:Vista - Norton 360, XP - MCAfee (have uninstalled MCAfee).FYI, I am a MAC person trying to set up Vista/PC network and it is a nightmare! However, seem like I'm not alone in this, as a lot of PC people are having problems, as well.Please tell which specific info you would need from the ipconfig/all output for both laptops.Michelle

finally solved the problem after calling MS Tech Support. had to pay for the call, but it was well worth it! here is what we discovered: *problem with registry key on XP laptop. this was corrected by CS rep through 'easy assist' remote access. *problem with file sharing permissions on Vista Laptop. needed to go to the file(s) i wanted to share + change permission to 'everyone'. also had to change all options to 'allow'. i can now view + access all files/folders on XP + Vista, both ways. i spent a few days on the problem. very frustrating! anyone else in this situation, i highly recommend spending the $80 for phone support. you only pay if they solve your problem. you have contact with CS as many times, and as long as you need, until problem is solved. they will assign a case number, and if you have any problem with the same issue, you can reference the case # without any additional charge.

Save your money, I had this problem, removed Norton and all the Symantic products and put AVG free virus software on and the whole thing worked perfectly. Didn't surprise me either, Norton caused lots of problems on my desktop PC when I got it pre-loaded then. My laptop now runs twice as quick too! Before a restart would take 5 mins + now it's less than 2 mins. In other words, never ever use symantic or norton products!