Home Network w/ Vista and XP Problems

Hi, On an existing wireless home network with a XP Pro desktop and a XP Home Laptop I have been unable to add a new Vista premium Laptop. All internet access is OK on all PCS.

Workgroup names are the same and discovery is on. Vista diagnose claims firewall should allow connection.

I look for workgroup PCs in the XP machines and see the new PC. In Vista I can't even figure out how to look for PCs in the workgroup. (Why has this become more difficult)

I try to set a folder in the new PC to share it. After going thru its "This will take a few minutes" it tells me This folder could not be shared. Repeated attempts on different folders.

I've gone thru basic trouble shooting on the Vista which said check the connection. Thats obviously OK. Then discovery. That is on. It gives no clues after that.

The old laptop uses Symantec Anti virus. The new Laptop has the Symantec Internet Security. All on default settings. The desktop is F-Secure anti virus. No other third party firewalls.

Linksys wireless router and a cable modem.

Frankly as a hobbiest I need to ask why this has become more difficult? I am finding Vista quite cumbersome. Things changed unnecessarily. Makes no sense.

Please point me in a fruitful direction. Thanks.

Mfr: Home Built
Type: Desktop
CPU: AMD Athlon XP 2700
Installed RAM: 1 g
OS: XP Pro SP2
Disk Drives: 2 HD 1 CD 1 CD/DVD RW 3.5 floppy