Network XP & vista using ethernet

I am trying to use my new notebook to network with my old desktop. The desktop has xp pro and the notebook has vista home premium. I have run all the setups that xp and vista say should work but am having no luck. I believe that I have to log in as admin on both puters but do not know how. I think that changing the settings as the user instead of the admin may be my issue. Any help would sure be appreciated.
Thanks Elast

 

Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings,http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what it is allowed to be shared.

Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx

Basic XP - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/filesharing.mspx

Advanced XP - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

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I have both computers now seeing each other but cannot access files or drives. I get a message saying that the network admin has to set to allow opening of the files or drives. I am going to try and set permissions next. I can see the files on both comps from one another but cannot access them. My network admin (me) has not allowed this. How exactly do I allow this? I am reading all from above and will try all I can. I hope there is a "shortcut" I can use. Also I was reading that Vista will not see other comps with XP on the network at all without the LLT installed. I have them seeing each other (just cannot file share yet) without installing LLT. God I hate being so inept!
Thanks Elast