Windows XP and Vista networking problems?

i have an in XP desktop pro SP2 and a vista HP loptop, and the prolem is that i cannot share the internet. in my vista loptop, i can see the desktop copy files ect.. but on the xp machine i cant see my loptop. the internet sharing is my main problem, the one that is on internet is the desktop, using a usb modem. the the connection of my loptop and desktop is a LAN wire.

Windows XP and Vista networking problems?microsoft office 2003

Not sure if there are patches that could fix XP / Vista networking issues with software. Haven't gotten into Vista yet myself...

Using an inexpensive router to share the internet connection instead of using the computer would solve your problems. You could even go wireless...

...Not sure what router will work with a USB modem... Does it have a LAN output too?

EDIT: Also... Are you using the correct LAN cable between the computers? For directly connecting 2 computers you need to use a crossover cable. The pinout on the plugs is different than a regular LAN cable used for hooking up routers, modems, etc...

ANOTHER EDIT: I read a little about it and it seems this is a common problem, but usually solvable by changing settings.

These links may help...

http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/win...

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows...

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network...

Windows XP and Vista networking problems?windows xp professional internet explorer

Follow directions that came with the router. To the letter
Try this site maybe there is something there that can help you with your problem. I got the info from Microsoft support help.