Vista - Network Map

I have set up a network with my PC (Vista) and my laptop (Vista). I have files set to share. But when I try to find my PC from my laptop or when I try to find my laptop from my PC so I can use the shared files, they do not show up on the network map.

Can you help me/ Thank you

How are your computers networked? Are you able to ping each other? Do they both have the same workgroup name? Can you enter \\LAPTOPNAME\FOLDERNAME

Do you mean the actual Network Map in the Network/Sharing center? That is not the place to look for shared files, in fact I don't know what the Network Map is actually for..

Go up a level or two and check a more useful menu before you try lemur's suggestions [all good ideas]

I am pretty computer illiterate. I have heard of ping, but don't know how to do it.

I set up the network using the instructions on Vista. I am using the same workgroup name. I have file sharing on. In fact I have everything in the network sharing screen on, except for password protection.

When I added the wireless laptop to the network, it gave me a confirmation telling me that I was on my PC's network.

I even made sure my firewalls allowed for sharing.

Thank you for all your help you can give me.

I found out how to ping and tried pinging both my laptop and my pc. Both said request timed out. I guess I had the right IP address, I got it from network and sharing center, view status, details, IP address. Hope that is right.