I have windows xp pro one wireless and one with a NIC card running through a router. I have completed the home networking install but I still can't access the shared files. I can access the files on the laptop through the desktop but I can only see them on the laptop and can't access them.

It tells me: it is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the admin to see if you have access permissions.

please help I have been trying to fix this for a while now.

Does your laptop have Norton Internet security on it, or any firewalls that would prevent you from accessing it?

Make sure the Windows Firewall allows File and Printer sharing also.

under security tab add user (network)
go to the shared folder right click set sharing add share new name add network user
if home xp both machines need logged same user ,pass
and yes firewall software should be set for trusted network
I don't like ZA or norton same for Mcafee
outpost one of the best

what do you mean under the security tab?

btw, i dloaded outpost and itz ok..... how do i add my laptop access with it though?