Vista - I want to sync Laptop to Desktop

Ok, so I know I'm looking like a complete idiot about now.

Equipment
Dell E521 Desktop running Windows Vista Home Premium
Dell X300 Laptop running Windows XP SP2

I have a CAT5E Crossover Cable connecting the two together. I connect the
Laptop through the LAN connection. The Desktop shows connected to an
Unidentified Network. When I go to the Network page on the Vista machine, it
only shows the Desktop. It does not see the Laptop.

All I want to do is synchronize one stinking file. I don't download music,
use a PDA or any other device. The only thing I do is work on my laptop (Word
Files) away from my Desktop and want them to Synchronize.

What am I missing here? I have been staring at this thing for days now. I
have firewall turned off. File sharing turned on. I even downloaded the LLD
whatever upgrade on the XP machine. I've tried some of the step-by-step
suggestions here on this message board.

But something still isn't working properly. What am I missing? This is
driving me crazy!

I'm sorry this is causing you so much frustration. Just to double-check:

Are both computers in the same workgroup? (They should be.)
Is file and printer sharing turned on on the XP computer?

I'll attempt to repro this tonight and see if I come across anything.

Thanks,
Gloria

--
Gloria Boyer
Windows User Assistance team
Microsoft Corporation

Yes to both. I forgot to put that in my posting. I had to adjust the
workgroup setting on the XP machine. The file and printer sharing was already
turned on, but I double checked that too.

Thanks,
Donneda

"Gloria Boyer [MSFT]" wrote:

> I'm sorry this is causing you so much frustration. Just to double-check:
>
> Are both computers in the same workgroup? (They should be.)
> Is file and printer sharing turned on on the XP computer?
>
> I'll attempt to repro this tonight and see if I come across anything.
>
> Thanks,
> Gloria
>
> --
> Gloria Boyer
> Windows User Assistance team
> Microsoft Corporation
>