Enable Network discovery

The new network feature in Vista named Network Discovery allows you to see (discover) other computers, printers, files, but it is turned off by default as a security item. This is the path…..

Select Start, Control Panel, and Network and Internet.

1. Select Network and Sharing Center.
2. If Network Discovery is turned off, you’ll get a dialog box to that effect. Click “Turn on network discovery,” then click the Apply button.

Or you can make use of  Vista’s new search capabilities.  Just hit the Windows (start) key on your keyboard and type “network”. You will see Network Discovery” appear. Click to go there and turn on discovery.