network trouble

[djk1]

Hi all
I have been trying to set up a network between my PC and laptop for some time now, but after running the wizard on both machines and restarting them, when I click on my network places there are no folders in there,
On the laptop in my network places I have all the folders that I have shared from both Computers, and internet :my web sites on msn. This morning I ran the network wizard again and added my (C) drive to the network and it immediately showed on the laptop but not on my computer.
My computer is the main PC on the network and the laptop connects through it, and the internet connection all works fine.
In "view work group computers" there is only the computer not laptop in there but on the laptop they both show
Also if I have to re-boot the computer for some reason while the laptop is on then all connection is lost and the network has to be set up from scratch again on both computers.
If this hasn't confused the hell out of you any suggestions on how i can fix it would be a great help
I'm running Windows XP pro on the computer
Windows XP home on the laptop
Connecting with a cat 5 patch cable
many thanks
Dave

[grizzla]

go to add remove programs in control panel, install additional windows components and ensure all network capabilities are installed; Internet Information Services (IIS), Management and Monitoring Tools, Netwiorking Services, Other Network File and Print Services. Tick next to each one to ensure all components are installed. Once this has finished setup the network again and it should work.

[Dav0s]

they both are part of the same workgroup?

[FatalSaviour]

As above, I would check that they are both part of the same workgroup (i.e. MSHOME).
Can you still access the shared folders on either computer by typing the IP address of the computer into Run?
i.e.
Start>Run
\\192.168.blah.blah
?

[djk1]

I have already installed alll possible programes from the disk, and they are both part of the same workgroup,( HOME ) as the laptop is able to see and use the computers shared files, its just the computer not seeing the laptop, and now the internet connection between the 2 has gone but the local area conection is still working.

They should start making rubber computers as this 1 is going to be bounced round the room in a minute!!
any more sugetions
Cheers
Dave