I'm not sure what section to put this in, but its here anyway.

I have a desktop computer, and a laptop computer (with Wi-Fi).

I wanted to network these computers so I could share files, share the printer, and share an internet connection.

I bought a Belkin Wireless Desktop Network Card 802.11g and istalled that, and each computer, the desktop and laptop, register the fact that they can connect to each other.

But.....

I just can not figure out how to share files, share printers and internet connection, I just can't it seems impossible, what do I do? Can someone please talk to me like I'm a three year old and explain step what I do, do I set up a workgroup?? I think I have and i'm sure i put both computers on the same name yet there not visible in my network places? Help!

I'm using Windows XP Professional and AOL 9.0 (I hear AOL is hard to share).

Any suggestions??

Have you run the network setup wizard? It gives you the option there.

Yes a few times on both computers

Hey, try this first - http://www.geekgirls.com/windowsxp_home_network.htm

Maybe this will help.
When I set up my first LAN on XP I was missing "Internet Protocol TCP/IP" in my "Local Area Connection" properties (Start-> Settings-> Network Connections)on both of my computers, and with out that protocol a LAN setup is borderline impossible for a n00b like me . After installing the correct protocols, setup was cake.

If you are missing that protocol in the (Start-> Settings-> Network Connections-> right click Local Area Conn-> properties) “Local Area Connection Properties” “General” tab; pick the Install button and then pick Protocol then pick "Internet Protocol TCP/IP".

Thanks, but I haave the protocol things, just another mention is that ther network I want to run is wireless, and one of the things posted was for a cabled network, thank anyway

Correct me if I am wrong, but isnt an Access Point required to have a true bidirectional Wireless Network? I had my old home setup with wireless, where the laptops were the wireless cards with the desktop/server with the Access point.

No. Apparently access pints arn't needed in an Ad-Hoc (computer to computer) network, which is what i'm trying to set up. I just can't set it up, thats the problem, its to complicated.

No you don't need an access point if you just setting up a couple of PC's in close proximity like that. If you right lcik My Computer > Properties then click the Computer Name Tab have you got both PC's with unique PC Names but exactly yhe same Workgroup ?