Windows 7: Why is Windows so bad at networking

Absolutely right....

So you have 3 pc's - one running vista, and the other 2 running Windows 7- well thats your problem - a Windows 7 PC's will only connect with Windows 7 pc's using Homegroup - you could try this - disable the homegroup in both the Windows 7 pc's then go into advanced setting in Network and Sharing Centre, and enable the following :
Turn on network discovery
Turn on File and Printer Sharing - up to you - it also needs to be enabled in Devices and printers - right click printer and select printer properties -sharing-check share this printer
Public Folder sharing up to you on or off
Media streaming off
File Sharing connections - turn on 128 bit
Turn on Password protected sharing
Homegroup Connections - Use user accounts and passwords to connect to other computers
See if that works, if it doesnt, can you install Windows 7 on the vista computer? Because then it will work 100% using Homegroup on all 3 pc's .
Also do the same with vista and just use the same options in Network and Sharing.

Well.... not to the general public anyway

While I can understand the OP's frustration, it does sound like more of a user settings / router problem than a Windows problem.

First thing they do is blame the OS and it's Manufacturer right?

"I don't know how to change my network settings! MS you suck! Win 7 you suck! I want back xp! /cry"

boo hoo

I just have a question, and maybe someone can clear this up for me. I understood that in order to get the RTM ie: 7600 you had to pay like $300 - $400 annual to join Technet? Since I have no plans to join, is there another MS source for me to get and upgrade to 7600?

Robert

Nope...you will have to buy Windows 7 in stores October 22 or get it theough MSDN/Technet

Seeing as the OP hasn't posted back...this is likely a troll thread

Thank you Zidane. 'nuff said.

Such an i'll informed question does not deserve and informed answer. The networking in Windows 7 works perfectly as is, in fact it's one of the best things about it. The problem sits behind the keyboard in this case.

And by the way, you do not need to use homegroups to share files in Windows 7. The public sharing folders work perfectly fine. Homegroups is for sharing entire libraries ane requires you to share libraries for it to work properly.