Vista - Access Permissions

I have a network setup between my PC and a laptop. both running vista.

The network folders can be accessed from the laptop but not from the PC.
the PC cannot even connect to its own shared files with the following error;

...is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions.

The specified network provider name is invalid.



PC IP 192.168.1.3
LAPTOP IP 192.168.1.4
LAPTOP DEFAULT GATEWAY 192.168.1.3

networks are both set to private with discovery and file sharing on.
both have password protected sharing.

what might my problem be?
all help appreciated. thanks

What firewall are you using on the machines, are you allowing access through that ?

Firewall is off on the PC

How is your network set up, are you using a router and are the machines wired or wireless ?

I'm just throwing out ideas that may jog your memory with regards something that you may have forgotten.

Have you looked at the Tutorials listed on the site there is probably something there that could help.

PC is connected to router with wireless device
as well as to the laptop via crossover cable