I've googled my problem to death and still not found out the answer. 2 pooters,1 a laptop the other a desktop(in my sig).Both using XP Pro. The laptop can see and access shared folders on my desktop. The desktop cannot see shared folders on the laptop.It can see the laptop in workgroup but gets an 'access denied' error message when trying to access. "**** is not accessible.You might not have permission to use this network resource.Contact admin of server.......access denied" At the moment they are both connected to a router. I've tried a direct connection but no joy. I've tried with firewall off,no joy. Laptop did have zone alarm on but I took it off because of this...http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316414 Kinda lost now as where to go next? Tt Lanfire MSI K8N Diamond X2 4600+@234x12=2.8ghz 1:1 1GB PC3200/4400 OCZ Powerstream 520w 6600GT WDCaviar 160gb sata x2

Sounds like the file and share permissions are not set up to allow the desktop user access to the laptop. What permissions have you set on the laptop? Life is more painless for those who are brainless.

They should be setup for 'everyone' Tt Lanfire MSI K8N Diamond X2 4600+@234x12=2.8ghz 1:1 1GB PC3200/4400 OCZ Powerstream 520w 6600GT WDCaviar 160gb sata x2

Ok,I made an account on the laptop with the same name as on the desktop and I can access now. How come? It was setup to allow 'everyone'. Tt Lanfire MSI K8N Diamond X2 4600+@234x12=2.8ghz 1:1 1GB PC3200/4400 OCZ Powerstream 520w 6600GT WDCaviar 160gb sata x2

Because the connecting PC didn't have an account on the target PC with the share. In order to be a member of the Everyone group, you would first have to have an account on that PC.

I see what your saying but I can't see it being exactly so. Reason being that I've just wiped and reinstalled windows on the laptop. Shares both ways are accessible now without adding additional accounts to either pc or laptop. Tt Lanfire MSI K8N Diamond X2 4600+@234x12=2.8ghz 1:1 1GB PC3200/4400 OCZ Powerstream 520w 6600GT WDCaviar 160gb sata x2