deertroy1:
Hello and welcome to the Windows 7 Forums.
First use the ipconfig utility from a command prompt. Click the Start Orb, All Programs, Accessories, right click Command Prompt and Choose "Run as Administrator" (the runas Admin is not something you need at this point, I just want to make sure you know how to do it for later)then at the blinking cursor type ipconfig /all make a note of the ip information regarding the particular adapter you are using on both machine (ip address will probably be private reserved something like 192.168.nnn.nnn) also make note of the machine name (listed at the top = Host Name) then from each machine check to see if you can ping the other by ip address and by hostname) let us know the results.
If the ping by ip succeeds and the ping by hostname fails try the following.
On both machine type ncpa.cpl in the run dialog box or the search box and hit enter. Select the network adapter (connection) you are using on that particular machine, right click it and choose properties. In the connection properties dialog box make sure that client for microsoft networks, File and Printer Sharing and Internet Protocol Version 4 are check (minimally) don't worry about anything else right now although you can unselect Internet Protocol Version 6 at this time if you like). Now highlight Version 4 and click the properties button. In the ipV4 properties dialog box click the advanced button, select the WINS tab at the top and then the radio button that says Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP and OK your way back out of there.
Now launch the services console by typing services.msc into the search or run dialog box. Check the following and make sure they are started you may even want to set their start up type to automatic if you wish.
Computer Browser Service
DHCP Client
Function Discovery Resource Publication (Windows 7)
Server
SSDP Discovery (Windows 7)
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Workstation
See if any of that helps, you may want to restart to make sure any adjustments take effect. Keep us posted.
EDIT: Forgot to mention, if for some reason on the Windows 7 machine you have opted to join a home group. Leave it, use this article if you are not sure how.
LEAVE HOME GROUP