Okay, so I have tried to figure this out, but I can't get it.
Is there anyone who can walk me through it step by step.
Both of my PC'* are running XP, and I have tried the Network Setup wizard, but I don't know what I am doing....
I would like to be able to share pretty much everything between to two computers.
I have AIM and MSN, heck I'll even DL Yahoo messenger, I just want someone to take me through this step by step so I can get these two puters to share.

Good luck.

I had one h*ll of a problem getting mine set up. Turns out the microcrap firewall was blocking my setup.

Now I bought a new laptop for the wife, and am having different problems getting the two computers to play nice and share.

I suspect my problem has more to do with the new one being preloaded with Vista. :(

Yah, I am sure VIsta is definitely part of the problem in your case.
Both of mine are runnin XP though, and the windows Firewall is off one 1. Not sure about the other one though.

Are you doing a wireless network or are the computers connected by a cable through the router?

Ok, if you don't know anything about networking, STOP blaming the OS. Sometimes its your own ignorance, NOT the fault of the operating system. Not to be rude, but I'm sick and tired of people blaming the damn computer and its operating system every time something goes wrong. I deal with it daily. People complaining that its all their computer'* fault...the computer is our tool, thats like blaming a wrench for not turning a bolt just because you sat there and stared at it. Sorry, that has nothing to do with this, just ranting.

My laptop running Vista and my desktop running XP run just fine together with no problems.

NOW! Getting back to your question, Brian.

Brian, I will help you through it step by step if you'd like. Just IM me with the medium of your choice and I'll see what I can do to assist.

They are both hooked up with ethernet cables through a router.

Is this not yet solved? I can do this very easily. Let me know if you still need help.

I'm still waiting for him to come online so I can walk him through it.

Put both computers to a single network group:
Right-click on My Computer.
Select Properties.
Click on the Computer Name tab.
See on the computers you want to network if the workgroup names match.
If not, click Change, and then type in matching workgroup names. WORKGROUP works.

Find the network address of each computer:
Click on Start, Run.
Type in cmd
You'll get a command prompt. Type ipconfig
Only the first line is important here. This is each computer'* network address.

I now have 2 hypothetical computers, 192.168.1.2 (Bob) and 192.168.1.3 (Sam)
On 192.168.1.2
Click on Start, Run.
Type in \\192.168.1.3
You'll get Sam'* shared goods.

On 192.168.1.3
Click on Start, Run.
Type in \\192.168.1.2
You'll get Bob'* shared goods.

To share things:
For folders:
Right-click on a folder.
Select Properties.
Click on the Sharing tab.
Check the Share this folder on the network check box.
The share name, which suddenly becomes available, is the name Bob will see when he opens Sam'* "shared goods."

For example, Bob can have a folder named La Traviata and share it with the shared name Gangster Rap. Sam will see a folder on Bob'* PC named Gangster Rap. You can name a folder anything and even breach the 12-letter/number limit because your PCs are running XP.

To make shortcuts:
Follow the above procedure for Bob to see Sam'* files.
Minimize everything except for Sam'* shared goods. The folder view should not be maximized. This means you can see both the window and the desktop behind this window.
Bob should see in his window at the far top-left corner a computer monitor icon and 192.168.1.3 following it. This is on the normally blue title bar of each window. Click and hold the computer icon and drag it to your desktop. This makes a shortcut. Now, Bob can double-click on the desktop shortcut to bring up again Sam'* shared goods.

Printer Sharing
If a printer is attached to Sam'* computer and Bob wants to use it, with no additional equipment to buy, Sam'* computer will have to be on for Bob to print.

On Sam'* PC, go to Printers and Faxes.
This is in the Control Panel.
Right-click on the printer you'd like to share.
Select Sharing...
Select the bubble for Share this printer.
For the share name, type a name. I prefer just "printer" (without quotation marks).

On Bob'* PC, go to the Printers and Faxes folder. You will not yet see Sam'* printer.
Click on File (menu at the top).
Select Add Printer.
Click Next.
Select the second option (A network printer).
Select the second of three options (Connect to this printer...)
The text box in the middle will become available. If Sam'* printer'* name is printer, type this:
\\192.168.1.3\printer
Click next. Sam'* computer should have been on this whole time, of course. No printer software installation is necessary as both PCs are running the same operating system.

Wow, thats excellent. Guess I'm off the hook!