Windows 7 - Connecting to Home Network

I have a laptop with Windows 7 and I am trying to connect to my home network. My home network consists of two other Windows XP computers connected to a router. I have the internet connection that the other two computers have, but I cannot see any of their files and they do not show up as network places. How do I fix this? I am not a techy person and I don't understand all this fiddly stuff and I'm getting really frustrated.

The weirdest thing is, I was able to access the other two computers fine yesterday but now they do not turn up?? I have restarted multiple times but to no avail.

Please help!!!

Hi and welcome

I suspect your problem has to do with homegroup. when you set up networking in the windows install you chose a "home network" makes sense. Homenetwork however assumes all computers will be win 7.

To resolve the problem go to network and shaing where you set up networking in the first place and choose a work network instead. You can also turn off IPv6 as it is only needed in homegroup

In workgroup xp sees win 7, and win 7 sees XP

Let us know if this doesnt work

Good Luck Mate


Ken J

Thank you for your advice. I managed to fix the problem by simply changing the name of the network from "Workgroup" to the name registered on the other computers.