Vista - Connects to Internet but can't file share / "see" both computers

Hi

I have a computer and laptop both running Vista. I want to be able to share files and printer between the computer and laptop. I have a wireless router connected to my computer which I class as the "main" computer and then I want to be able to use my laptop elsewhere in the house and be able to access all files on the main computer.

Both my laptop and computer are able to get to the internet but I can't get the computers to "speak" to each other so that I can file share. When I go to the Network Sharing Centre it only shows one computer and when I go to My Computer and then Networks it only shows one computer (on each) and therefore I can't access files remotely.

I have set up file sharing using the properties function on the files I want to share but when I'm on my laptop I can't "see" the computer on my Network and therefore cannot access the files and vice versa.

Please help!

Click on dis:~
File sharing essentials - Windows Vista Help

Then give me a shout if you still have probs...

Hi

I've looked at the link and all my file sharing properties are the same on both the laptop and the home computer. On my home computer I can access files from the laptop but I can't "see" the home computer on my laptop under the Networks in My Computer and therefore can't access files. I'm really scratching my head!

I've set up the network as a Public Network without password protecting.

Password protection is required on Vista. Also, I think your firewall may be blocking access to the Home computer. Also, check that Network discovery is 'On' in Newtwork and sharing...

If I only want my laptop and computer to see each other should I set the network as Private?

I know who to turn on the password protection under the Network & Sharing Center but how do I check what the user and password is for each computer so I know what to input if I've been asked for the password?

Finally, how do I check my firewall is not blocking the access to the Home computer?

I've checked the Network Discovery and it is on. Also, during the process at one point I was able to see the laptop on my home computer and was even able to access the files but then the connection disappeared.

[QUOTE=picklednut;1123200][QUOTE=Trax1963;1122896][QUOTE=picklednut;1122829]Hi
Finally, how do I check my firewall is not blocking the access to the Home computer?[QUOTE]

To see if firewall is blocking accessto your home computer, open up the 'network' window to one side. Then on the other side of the screen open up your firewall window and switch off the firewall for around 15 seconds. If the other computer appears within this timelimit it is the firewall blocking access. You will have to then configure your firewall to accept the other computer...

'DO NOT LEAVE FIREWALL ACCESS OPEN FOR MORE THAN 15 SECONDS. I CAN NOT BE HELD RESPOSIBLE IF YOUR COMPUTER IS ATTACKED! 15 SECONDS IS LONG ENOUGH! PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE WITH YOUR COMPUTER'

My best intentions TRAX...