Hi, I have a BIG ISSUE! I've successfully set up a small home network for my two XPs. One is this laptop and the other is a desktop. The problem is, while I can access the shared docs of the desktop, I can't access the shared docs of the laptop from the desktop. I've tried everything short from editing my registry so I really need help. The funny thing is I can access my own shared docs on my laptop but the laptop's workgroup icon is NOT visible on the workgroup. I can't ping my laptop so THERE is a problem with a connection. I've disabled ALL KNOWN firewalls so I doubt it's that problem. I'm worried that my Anti-spyware programs may have deleted some of the essential files for networking. I'm unsure though. I also used TWEAK XP program from softpedia to speed on the computer but I don't think it would've destroyed networking. So, what should I do now? I think all I can do is edit the registry, but where do I start. And yes, I have enabled master browser etc. and did EVERYTHING other forums have said to troubleshoot the problem but I STILL CAN'T SEE MY COMPUTER IN THE WORKGROUP! HELP!!!!

Here are a few things to try, some of which you may have already attempted :- - Turn off any firewall that is running and run your anti-virus software to ensure the PC is clean. - Check the account you are using has Administrator’s privileges by going to Start, Run, type control userpasswords2 (note the space) and press enter. (If you intend to change anything create a system restore point first, just in case you get locked out). Highlight your User Name and check if you are an administrator. If not click Properties, Group Membership and make yourself an administrator. Use this account to set up file-sharing. - Have a look in Event Viewer, System and check if there are any errors (if so follow them up). - Can you browse to the shared folders by typing \\computer name\shared folder name into the Address bar? - Have you tried ‘unsharing’ then sharing the files again, and then rebooting. Has the little hand appeared underneath the filename(s)? - Start, Run, type cmd and press enter. Type net user guest and press enter. Can you see account active = yes? If not, type net user guest /active:yes (note the spaces). - You need to enable the guest account and checked network access is enabled in group policy. To open group policy click Start, Run and type gpedit.msc. In Windows settings, Security settings, Local policies, Users rights assignment [highlight] - if a line says deny access from the network delete this line. At the top of the right hand list (access this computer from the network) it should say everyone in it. If not double click on it and modify it. Also in the actual folder you wish to share you will need to have 'everyone' in the Security Tab. Once entered you need to double click on it and put the tick in the box to allow everyone. Also have a look here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...

I did everything but still the icon for my laptop doesn't appear. I can access the folder from my laptop fine (probably because it belongs to the system files) but I cannot do so while on the desktop. Ping doesn't work so what's wrong?

Ping does work but I CAN'T ACCESS the computer files. why? it says files not accessible.

Yah! I fixed it. All you had to do was set anonymoususer in regedit to value of 0 and then uninstall the network adapter. After you reboot and reinstall the natwork adapter, voi la! Everything works. You can see all computers on network from every computer.