Vista computer invisible to other computers on local network

[jsrs]

New laptop (Lenovo T61) with Vista Ultimate.
Added to well-functioning local network (5 computers [all Windows XP Pro], 3
printers/scanners).
PROBLEM: Laptop can see other computers on the network, including mapping
(assigning) drive letters, but none of the other computers can see the laptop.
Shares and permissions seem OK (at least for testing, even more extensive
than I may ultimately use; for example, the root drive is shared).
Sharing and discovery entries are all ON.
Toggling Password Protected Sharing does not help.
Network is marked Private.
Fixed IP address and workgroup name are OK (if that were not so, the laptop
could not talk with the router and could not send outbound traffic to the
other computers).
Other computers can ping the laptop without problem.
I have followed all the steps in
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printer).aspx (which
actually goes beyond printers).
I am using Norton Internet Security supplied with the laptop, but disabling
the firewall does not help.
Disabling User Account Control does not help.
I have created users with and without passwords, but that does not help (in
any case, the other computers do not see the laptop and are never asked to
login).
From the experiments to date, the problem seems to be a Vista setting (not
hardware, not firewall). BUT WHICH SETTING?
Thanks.

 

[Mick Murphy]

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Have a read of the above link re Vista File and Printer Sharing.

1st thing to do is make sure that the Workgroup Name of ALL the computers is
the SAME.

In Vista Network and Sharing:

Network Discovery: ON (So it can see the other computers)

Network set to Private (Public is for hotspots, airports, etc)

File Sharing: ON

Public Folder Sharing: ON (Vista’s Public Folder is the same as XP’s Shared
Docs)

Password Protected: OFF (unless you want to set up identical usernames and
passwords on ALL computers in your Network) If you have it ON, you will be
asked for a username and password when you try to access a Vista computer
from an XP computer.

Also, run the XP’s Home Network File and Printer sharing Wizard

 

[jsrs]

Thanks, but as I noted in my original post, I have already done all of those
things.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printers).aspx and
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx are the same
document.
I have followed all of the steps, including opening the specified UDP and
TCP ports.

Note that the problem is inbound on the Vista side. All of the other
computers work well with each other. Adding a new XP computer to the network
works flawlessly (periodic visitors confirm that). The Vista laptop can
connect to the other computers.

BUT none of the other computers can see the Vista laptop.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Have a read of the above link re Vista File and Printer Sharing.

1st thing to do is make sure that the Workgroup Name of ALL the computers is
the SAME.

In Vista Network and Sharing:

Network Discovery: ON (So it can see the other computers)

Network set to Private (Public is for hotspots, airports, etc)

File Sharing: ON

Public Folder Sharing: ON (Vista’s Public Folder is the same as XP’s Shared
Docs)

Password Protected: OFF (unless you want to set up identical usernames and
passwords on ALL computers in your Network) If you have it ON, you will be
asked for a username and password when you try to access a Vista computer
from an XP computer.

Also, run the XP’s Home Network File and Printer sharing Wizard

New laptop (Lenovo T61) with Vista Ultimate.
Added to well-functioning local network (5 computers [all Windows XP Pro], 3
printers/scanners).
PROBLEM: Laptop can see other computers on the network, including mapping
(assigning) drive letters, but none of the other computers can see the laptop.
Shares and permissions seem OK (at least for testing, even more extensive
than I may ultimately use; for example, the root drive is shared).
Sharing and discovery entries are all ON.
Toggling Password Protected Sharing does not help.
Network is marked Private.
Fixed IP address and workgroup name are OK (if that were not so, the laptop
could not talk with the router and could not send outbound traffic to the
other computers).
Other computers can ping the laptop without problem.
I have followed all the steps in
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printer).aspx (which
actually goes beyond printers).
I am using Norton Internet Security supplied with the laptop, but disabling
the firewall does not help.
Disabling User Account Control does not help.
I have created users with and without passwords, but that does not help (in
any case, the other computers do not see the laptop and are never asked to
login).
From the experiments to date, the problem seems to be a Vista setting (not
hardware, not firewall). BUT WHICH SETTING?
Thanks.

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

New laptop (Lenovo T61) with Vista Ultimate.
Added to well-functioning local network (5 computers [all Windows XP Pro], 3
printers/scanners).
PROBLEM: Laptop can see other computers on the network, including mapping
(assigning) drive letters, but none of the other computers can see the laptop.
Shares and permissions seem OK (at least for testing, even more extensive
than I may ultimately use; for example, the root drive is shared).
Sharing and discovery entries are all ON.
Toggling Password Protected Sharing does not help.
Network is marked Private.
Fixed IP address and workgroup name are OK (if that were not so, the laptop
could not talk with the router and could not send outbound traffic to the
other computers).
Other computers can ping the laptop without problem.
I have followed all the steps in
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printer).aspx (which
actually goes beyond printers).
I am using Norton Internet Security supplied with the laptop, but disabling
the firewall does not help.
Disabling User Account Control does not help.
I have created users with and without passwords, but that does not help (in
any case, the other computers do not see the laptop and are never asked to
login).
From the experiments to date, the problem seems to be a Vista setting (not
hardware, not firewall). BUT WHICH SETTING?
Thanks.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Have a read of the above link re Vista File and Printer Sharing.

1st thing to do is make sure that the Workgroup Name of ALL the computers is
the SAME.

In Vista Network and Sharing:

Network Discovery: ON (So it can see the other computers)

Network set to Private (Public is for hotspots, airports, etc)

File Sharing: ON

Public Folder Sharing: ON (Vista’s Public Folder is the same as XP’s Shared
Docs)

Password Protected: OFF (unless you want to set up identical usernames and
passwords on ALL computers in your Network) If you have it ON, you will be
asked for a username and password when you try to access a Vista computer
from an XP computer.

Also, run the XP’s Home Network File and Printer sharing Wizard

Thanks, but as I noted in my original post, I have already done all of those
things.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printers).aspx and
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx are the same
document.
I have followed all of the steps, including opening the specified UDP and
TCP ports.

Note that the problem is inbound on the Vista side. All of the other
computers work well with each other. Adding a new XP computer to the network
works flawlessly (periodic visitors confirm that). The Vista laptop can
connect to the other computers.

BUT none of the other computers can see the Vista laptop.

Your problem, at the core, is SMBs not being passed between the computers.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html

I would diagnose the problem, using logs from "browstat status", "ipconfig
/all", "net config server", and "net config workstation", from each computer.
Read this article, and linked articles, and follow instructions precisely
(download browstat!) (Use the command window in administrative mode, in Vista):
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[Mick Murphy]

It works for me; XP>Vista networked.

Thanks, but as I noted in my original post, I have already done all of those
things.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printers).aspx and
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx are the same
document.
I have followed all of the steps, including opening the specified UDP and
TCP ports.

Note that the problem is inbound on the Vista side. All of the other
computers work well with each other. Adding a new XP computer to the network
works flawlessly (periodic visitors confirm that). The Vista laptop can
connect to the other computers.

BUT none of the other computers can see the Vista laptop.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Have a read of the above link re Vista File and Printer Sharing.

1st thing to do is make sure that the Workgroup Name of ALL the computers is
the SAME.

In Vista Network and Sharing:

Network Discovery: ON (So it can see the other computers)

Network set to Private (Public is for hotspots, airports, etc)

File Sharing: ON

Public Folder Sharing: ON (Vista’s Public Folder is the same as XP’s Shared
Docs)

Password Protected: OFF (unless you want to set up identical usernames and
passwords on ALL computers in your Network) If you have it ON, you will be
asked for a username and password when you try to access a Vista computer
from an XP computer.

Also, run the XP’s Home Network File and Printer sharing Wizard

New laptop (Lenovo T61) with Vista Ultimate.
Added to well-functioning local network (5 computers [all Windows XP Pro], 3
printers/scanners).
PROBLEM: Laptop can see other computers on the network, including mapping
(assigning) drive letters, but none of the other computers can see the laptop.
Shares and permissions seem OK (at least for testing, even more extensive
than I may ultimately use; for example, the root drive is shared).
Sharing and discovery entries are all ON.
Toggling Password Protected Sharing does not help.
Network is marked Private.
Fixed IP address and workgroup name are OK (if that were not so, the laptop
could not talk with the router and could not send outbound traffic to the
other computers).
Other computers can ping the laptop without problem.
I have followed all the steps in
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printer).aspx (which
actually goes beyond printers).
I am using Norton Internet Security supplied with the laptop, but disabling
the firewall does not help.
Disabling User Account Control does not help.
I have created users with and without passwords, but that does not help (in
any case, the other computers do not see the laptop and are never asked to
login).
From the experiments to date, the problem seems to be a Vista setting (not
hardware, not firewall). BUT WHICH SETTING?
Thanks.

 

[Mick Murphy]

You do NOT say you did everything I suggested in your post.
Did you change the Vista workgroup name to match XP's?
And did you run the XP wizard AGAIN,; obviously NO.

Thanks, but as I noted in my original post, I have already done all of those
things.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printers).aspx and
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx are the same
document.
I have followed all of the steps, including opening the specified UDP and
TCP ports.

Note that the problem is inbound on the Vista side. All of the other
computers work well with each other. Adding a new XP computer to the network
works flawlessly (periodic visitors confirm that). The Vista laptop can
connect to the other computers.

BUT none of the other computers can see the Vista laptop.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Have a read of the above link re Vista File and Printer Sharing.

1st thing to do is make sure that the Workgroup Name of ALL the computers is
the SAME.

In Vista Network and Sharing:

Network Discovery: ON (So it can see the other computers)

Network set to Private (Public is for hotspots, airports, etc)

File Sharing: ON

Public Folder Sharing: ON (Vista’s Public Folder is the same as XP’s Shared
Docs)

Password Protected: OFF (unless you want to set up identical usernames and
passwords on ALL computers in your Network) If you have it ON, you will be
asked for a username and password when you try to access a Vista computer
from an XP computer.

Also, run the XP’s Home Network File and Printer sharing Wizard

New laptop (Lenovo T61) with Vista Ultimate.
Added to well-functioning local network (5 computers [all Windows XP Pro], 3
printers/scanners).
PROBLEM: Laptop can see other computers on the network, including mapping
(assigning) drive letters, but none of the other computers can see the laptop.
Shares and permissions seem OK (at least for testing, even more extensive
than I may ultimately use; for example, the root drive is shared).
Sharing and discovery entries are all ON.
Toggling Password Protected Sharing does not help.
Network is marked Private.
Fixed IP address and workgroup name are OK (if that were not so, the laptop
could not talk with the router and could not send outbound traffic to the
other computers).
Other computers can ping the laptop without problem.
I have followed all the steps in
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printer).aspx (which
actually goes beyond printers).
I am using Norton Internet Security supplied with the laptop, but disabling
the firewall does not help.
Disabling User Account Control does not help.
I have created users with and without passwords, but that does not help (in
any case, the other computers do not see the laptop and are never asked to
login).
From the experiments to date, the problem seems to be a Vista setting (not
hardware, not firewall). BUT WHICH SETTING?
Thanks.

 

[jsrs]

Mmmm. I purchased a new computer. I did not intend to spend so much time
learning the intricacies of Windows networking. I am very grateful for your
help with that.

If I have understood the various documents you have listed, it does seem
likely that the Vista laptop is not broadcasting its identity to the other
computers and thus is not listed in the master browser for the network. Seems
promising.

But I am unclear on what, exactly, is to be done. I shall try editing the
registry to force a change from NODE=HYBRID to NODE=UNKNOWN.

But beyond that, I am not sure what else to reset.

Again, great thanks.

:

New laptop (Lenovo T61) with Vista Ultimate.
Added to well-functioning local network (5 computers [all Windows XP Pro], 3
printers/scanners).
PROBLEM: Laptop can see other computers on the network, including mapping
(assigning) drive letters, but none of the other computers can see the laptop.
Shares and permissions seem OK (at least for testing, even more extensive
than I may ultimately use; for example, the root drive is shared).
Sharing and discovery entries are all ON.
Toggling Password Protected Sharing does not help.
Network is marked Private.
Fixed IP address and workgroup name are OK (if that were not so, the laptop
could not talk with the router and could not send outbound traffic to the
other computers).
Other computers can ping the laptop without problem.
I have followed all the steps in
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printer).aspx (which
actually goes beyond printers).
I am using Norton Internet Security supplied with the laptop, but disabling
the firewall does not help.
Disabling User Account Control does not help.
I have created users with and without passwords, but that does not help (in
any case, the other computers do not see the laptop and are never asked to
login).
From the experiments to date, the problem seems to be a Vista setting (not
hardware, not firewall). BUT WHICH SETTING?
Thanks.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Have a read of the above link re Vista File and Printer Sharing.

1st thing to do is make sure that the Workgroup Name of ALL the computers is
the SAME.

In Vista Network and Sharing:

Network Discovery: ON (So it can see the other computers)

Network set to Private (Public is for hotspots, airports, etc)

File Sharing: ON

Public Folder Sharing: ON (Vista’s Public Folder is the same as XP’s Shared
Docs)

Password Protected: OFF (unless you want to set up identical usernames and
passwords on ALL computers in your Network) If you have it ON, you will be
asked for a username and password when you try to access a Vista computer
from an XP computer.

Also, run the XP’s Home Network File and Printer sharing Wizard

Thanks, but as I noted in my original post, I have already done all of those
things.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printers).aspx and
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx are the same
document.
I have followed all of the steps, including opening the specified UDP and
TCP ports.

Note that the problem is inbound on the Vista side. All of the other
computers work well with each other. Adding a new XP computer to the network
works flawlessly (periodic visitors confirm that). The Vista laptop can
connect to the other computers.

BUT none of the other computers can see the Vista laptop.

Your problem, at the core, is SMBs not being passed between the computers.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html

I would diagnose the problem, using logs from "browstat status", "ipconfig
/all", "net config server", and "net config workstation", from each computer.
Read this article, and linked articles, and follow instructions precisely
(download browstat!) (Use the command window in administrative mode, in Vista):
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[jsrs]

Yes, the workgroup name is the same for all the computers.
Yes, I have run the XP wizard, several times.
Yes, I have tried (many times, to date unsuccessful) to force a link using
the Add a Network Place option.

Thanks for your help.

You do NOT say you did everything I suggested in your post.
Did you change the Vista workgroup name to match XP's?
And did you run the XP wizard AGAIN,; obviously NO.

Thanks, but as I noted in my original post, I have already done all of those
things.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printers).aspx and
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx are the same
document.
I have followed all of the steps, including opening the specified UDP and
TCP ports.

Note that the problem is inbound on the Vista side. All of the other
computers work well with each other. Adding a new XP computer to the network
works flawlessly (periodic visitors confirm that). The Vista laptop can
connect to the other computers.

BUT none of the other computers can see the Vista laptop.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Have a read of the above link re Vista File and Printer Sharing.

1st thing to do is make sure that the Workgroup Name of ALL the computers is
the SAME.

In Vista Network and Sharing:

Network Discovery: ON (So it can see the other computers)

Network set to Private (Public is for hotspots, airports, etc)

File Sharing: ON

Public Folder Sharing: ON (Vista’s Public Folder is the same as XP’s Shared
Docs)

Password Protected: OFF (unless you want to set up identical usernames and
passwords on ALL computers in your Network) If you have it ON, you will be
asked for a username and password when you try to access a Vista computer
from an XP computer.

Also, run the XP’s Home Network File and Printer sharing Wizard


:

New laptop (Lenovo T61) with Vista Ultimate.
Added to well-functioning local network (5 computers [all Windows XP Pro], 3
printers/scanners).
PROBLEM: Laptop can see other computers on the network, including mapping
(assigning) drive letters, but none of the other computers can see the laptop.
Shares and permissions seem OK (at least for testing, even more extensive
than I may ultimately use; for example, the root drive is shared).
Sharing and discovery entries are all ON.
Toggling Password Protected Sharing does not help.
Network is marked Private.
Fixed IP address and workgroup name are OK (if that were not so, the laptop
could not talk with the router and could not send outbound traffic to the
other computers).
Other computers can ping the laptop without problem.
I have followed all the steps in
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printer).aspx (which
actually goes beyond printers).
I am using Norton Internet Security supplied with the laptop, but disabling
the firewall does not help.
Disabling User Account Control does not help.
I have created users with and without passwords, but that does not help (in
any case, the other computers do not see the laptop and are never asked to
login).
From the experiments to date, the problem seems to be a Vista setting (not
hardware, not firewall). BUT WHICH SETTING?
Thanks.

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

"Mick Murphy" wrote:

:

New laptop (Lenovo T61) with Vista Ultimate.
Added to well-functioning local network (5 computers [all Windows XP Pro], 3
printers/scanners).
PROBLEM: Laptop can see other computers on the network, including mapping
(assigning) drive letters, but none of the other computers can see the laptop.
Shares and permissions seem OK (at least for testing, even more extensive
than I may ultimately use; for example, the root drive is shared).
Sharing and discovery entries are all ON.
Toggling Password Protected Sharing does not help.
Network is marked Private.
Fixed IP address and workgroup name are OK (if that were not so, the laptop
could not talk with the router and could not send outbound traffic to the
other computers).
Other computers can ping the laptop without problem.
I have followed all the steps in
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printer).aspx (which
actually goes beyond printers).
I am using Norton Internet Security supplied with the laptop, but disabling
the firewall does not help.
Disabling User Account Control does not help.
I have created users with and without passwords, but that does not help (in
any case, the other computers do not see the laptop and are never asked to
login).
From the experiments to date, the problem seems to be a Vista setting (not
hardware, not firewall). BUT WHICH SETTING?
Thanks.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Have a read of the above link re Vista File and Printer Sharing.

1st thing to do is make sure that the Workgroup Name of ALL the computers is
the SAME.

In Vista Network and Sharing:

Network Discovery: ON (So it can see the other computers)

Network set to Private (Public is for hotspots, airports, etc)

File Sharing: ON

Public Folder Sharing: ON (Vista’s Public Folder is the same as XP’s Shared
Docs)

Password Protected: OFF (unless you want to set up identical usernames and
passwords on ALL computers in your Network) If you have it ON, you will be
asked for a username and password when you try to access a Vista computer
from an XP computer.

Also, run the XP’s Home Network File and Printer sharing Wizard

Thanks, but as I noted in my original post, I have already done all of those
things.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printers).aspx and
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx are the same
document.
I have followed all of the steps, including opening the specified UDP and
TCP ports.

Note that the problem is inbound on the Vista side. All of the other
computers work well with each other. Adding a new XP computer to the network
works flawlessly (periodic visitors confirm that). The Vista laptop can
connect to the other computers.

BUT none of the other computers can see the Vista laptop.

Your problem, at the core, is SMBs not being passed between the computers.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html

I would diagnose the problem, using logs from "browstat status", "ipconfig
/all", "net config server", and "net config workstation", from each computer.
Read this article, and linked articles, and follow instructions precisely
(download browstat!) (Use the command window in administrative mode, in Vista):
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp

Mmmm. I purchased a new computer. I did not intend to spend so much time
learning the intricacies of Windows networking. I am very grateful for your
help with that.

If I have understood the various documents you have listed, it does seem
likely that the Vista laptop is not broadcasting its identity to the other
computers and thus is not listed in the master browser for the network. Seems
promising.

But I am unclear on what, exactly, is to be done. I shall try editing the
registry to force a change from NODE=HYBRID to NODE=UNKNOWN.

But beyond that, I am not sure what else to reset.

Either the Vista computer is not (successfully) broadcasting its identity, or
the computer that is the legit master browser is not receiving the broadcasts
from the Vista computer.

I would look at logs from "browstat status" and "ipconfig /all", from the
problem computer and 2 or 3 others, and diagnose the problem. Read this
article, and linked articles, and follow instructions precisely (download
browstat, and note how to use the command window in Vista as an admin!):
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[jsrs]

At least for the moment, the problem seems resolved.

Though I am far from expert at all this, after working through each of the
many documents in turn my understanding is that there were two master
browsers (one, the Vista laptop), neither recognizing the other.

After confirming the other settings (and preferring to avoid a registry
edit), I used browstat to force a master browser reset and rebooted all the
computers. Somewhat to my surprise, they seem now to be talking with each
other.

Again, great thanks for your help with this.

Yes, the workgroup name is the same for all the computers.
Yes, I have run the XP wizard, several times.
Yes, I have tried (many times, to date unsuccessful) to force a link using
the Add a Network Place option.

Thanks for your help.

You do NOT say you did everything I suggested in your post.
Did you change the Vista workgroup name to match XP's?
And did you run the XP wizard AGAIN,; obviously NO.

Thanks, but as I noted in my original post, I have already done all of those
things.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printers).aspx and
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx are the same
document.
I have followed all of the steps, including opening the specified UDP and
TCP ports.

Note that the problem is inbound on the Vista side. All of the other
computers work well with each other. Adding a new XP computer to the network
works flawlessly (periodic visitors confirm that). The Vista laptop can
connect to the other computers.

BUT none of the other computers can see the Vista laptop.

:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Have a read of the above link re Vista File and Printer Sharing.

1st thing to do is make sure that the Workgroup Name of ALL the computers is
the SAME.

In Vista Network and Sharing:

Network Discovery: ON (So it can see the other computers)

Network set to Private (Public is for hotspots, airports, etc)

File Sharing: ON

Public Folder Sharing: ON (Vista’s Public Folder is the same as XP’s Shared
Docs)

Password Protected: OFF (unless you want to set up identical usernames and
passwords on ALL computers in your Network) If you have it ON, you will be
asked for a username and password when you try to access a Vista computer
from an XP computer.

Also, run the XP’s Home Network File and Printer sharing Wizard


:

New laptop (Lenovo T61) with Vista Ultimate.
Added to well-functioning local network (5 computers [all Windows XP Pro], 3
printers/scanners).
PROBLEM: Laptop can see other computers on the network, including mapping
(assigning) drive letters, but none of the other computers can see the laptop.
Shares and permissions seem OK (at least for testing, even more extensive
than I may ultimately use; for example, the root drive is shared).
Sharing and discovery entries are all ON.
Toggling Password Protected Sharing does not help.
Network is marked Private.
Fixed IP address and workgroup name are OK (if that were not so, the laptop
could not talk with the router and could not send outbound traffic to the
other computers).
Other computers can ping the laptop without problem.
I have followed all the steps in
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037(printer).aspx (which
actually goes beyond printers).
I am using Norton Internet Security supplied with the laptop, but disabling
the firewall does not help.
Disabling User Account Control does not help.
I have created users with and without passwords, but that does not help (in
any case, the other computers do not see the laptop and are never asked to
login).
From the experiments to date, the problem seems to be a Vista setting (not
hardware, not firewall). BUT WHICH SETTING?
Thanks.