Any hope for Windows 7 / XP networking?

Windows networking has always been poorly done. Programs like Hotline and First Class had simple bulletproof setups. Windows 7 has hit a new low with many more screens and a "homegroup" option that will not share with any but Win7 machines.
http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/66050-3-pc-network-sharing.html
Reverting to "Workgroup" will allow XP and 7 to talk, but if you have any difficulties the registry can get confused and be all but impossible to get straight. My local geek friends say "reinstall, if you cannot share after following the guide, it is much faster".

My question is if there are still easy to use third party share programs so I don't have to spend days setting up file sharing.