Vista Networking Trouble

[redracer_13]

Hi,

I currently have four computers running through a single router.

1. Windows XP Pro PC connected via Ethernet to router
2. Windows XP Pro PC connected via Ethernet to router
3. Windows XP Home PC connected via Ethernet to router
4. Windows Vista Home Premium laptop connected wirelessly to internet

Currently computers 1-3 can share files & printers between each other through the router.They also can run the internet through them. The problem i am having is i cannot get the vista laptop to recognize any of three xp computers. I am willing to re-do my laptop internet or network setting or anything on the vista pc to access these files.

I have named each computer workgroup name to 'Network'. I am not sure how to change the network name on vista to 'network'. Can anybody give me a step by step guide on how to set up the laptop to

1. access the internet through the router
2. share files and folders between all computers

any help will be appreciated

[Paul Komski]

Moved to wireless networking - but possibly the thread is more on of a LAN problem.

Others are much better than me in this area but to get one obscurity out of the way, what are you connecting to the internet with now on the laptop if not through the router? ... and have you tried connecting via the router using an ethernet cable.

All I did recently with Vista on a Dell Laptop (if memory serves) was to enable its MAC address in the router (which was setup to filter by MAC address) and share a folder on the Vista PC. The workgroup name should be the same and FileSharing should also be turned on if it is off. Coul also be firewall problems somewhere.

http://www.vista64.net/forums/vista-security/39773-home-network-wont-add-vista-computer.html

[ancasterguy]

Try using a program called Network Magic. It's really quite good and easy to use.

[fsbee]

Yes Ive had exactly the same problem,,resorted to Network Magic and all works well, Vista laptop still not "seen" by PCs but access to folders through Network Magic allows sharing.--This works for me, but Its a cheet really, would like to solve the "windows" issue.