Windows 7 Computer Suddenly Can't See Computers on Network

Well, when my niece came over last night I forgot I had just closed it and didn't shut it down. So I think it went into sleep/standby mode because that was for more than an hour. But when I went into my bedroom for that short time, it was suspended that time. It never has given me this trouble before. I'm not sure what could have caused it. I have not installed anything new other than the Microsoft Security Essentials. And this problem was happening before I installed that so I'm at a loss. But I did put a shortcut to the folder on desktop so I have some access to the computer when that happens. Just makes it hard to find files on the other computer in programs.

Mel

I've noticed that now since I put the shortcut on my desktop to that folder, I have not had the issue happen again, and I did have it on suspend for about 20 minutes.

So I think having the shortcut is somehow making the computer see it all the time? I guess I'll have to wait and see if it happens again.

The other problem I've had since I got the laptop, is that my other computer with XP, doesn't see the laptop. Both computers have the same log in ID and Password. Not sure what else I may have to do to get the Windows 7 laptop to see my other XP computer.

Mel