UPDATE:
I can ping the desktop from the laptop but I can not ping the laptop from
either the desktop or the laptop. Does that given anyone a hint of what the
problem might be? Since the last post I have viewed several more help links
but they all say pretty much the same thing and following the instructions
given have not helped. One other thing... one help link indicated I should
set the simple file sharing check box to enabled, however this option is not
showing in the file Folder Options/View box.

"larryag" wrote:

> Hello...
> I am having similar problems. My problem is I’m trying to create a home
> network with a desktop computer and a laptop computer. I am using Windows XP
> Home w/sp-2 installed on both. I installed a Belkin Pre-N router, The
> desktop is hard-wired into the router, and the laptop connects to the
> broadband internet via wireless connection (router). I can connect to the
> internet just fine with both systems. The problem is I can not see either
> system from the other. I think the problem lies in the big red-X in the
> Homenetwork icon within the Network Connections function from the control
> panel. I have tried the Run command and entered the ip address of the other
> system but get a message stating The Network Path was not found. I’m stuck.
> I have followed no less than half a dozen articles on setting up your
> network, as well as using the Network setup wizard, complete with creating a
> disk and loading it in the other computer. In following all the articles,
> all the settings they say to check and set seem to be correct. Microsoft
> states this is easy to do, however I would certainly disagree. Could anyone
> be of assistance? It’s weird, I can't even delete the Homenetwork
> connection. The delete is grayed out. Also, I have checked the Device
> Manager and no yellow question marks, and a review of the hardware returns a
> statement that the hardware is functioning properly. One more thing. In the
> screen of Network connections I show 3 listed – Wireless network connection,
> 1394 connection, and the Homenetwork connection, which has the red-X in it.
> The Homenetwork connection sates Network Cable unplugged. There is no cable
> attached to the laptop. (I tried that at one time, bought a Crossover cable
> but that didn’t work either, i.e. could not transfer files). And yes, file
> sharing is turned on for both systems.
>
> "Networking Virgin" wrote:
>
> > I networked 2 computers with a SMC router and am unable to access files
> > properly. On one computer, I can access the other files and programs, but on
> > the other computer I can't. I keep receiving the message that the network
> > path can't be found or I don't have permission from my network administrator.
> > When I run Network Diagnostics, 1 computer passes all of the tests, but the
> > other computer keeps failing on the I.P address and I don't know how to
> > properly change that without messing up my internet connection. I have saved
> > both logs from both computers and would appreciate any help. I have read
> > Chuck's website and have previously tried a lot of those things, but I think
> > my brain is too tired to try again without some help. If anyone can use
> > Remote Assistance or chat with me while I do this step-by-step, I would be
> > more than happy. Thank you.