just to clarify you said the vista laptop now recognizes the connection for the network but will not connect to it, did you select your network from the network list and enter your passphrase info into the box so that it has permission to access your network? What steps exactly have you done to try to get it to connect? When you see the networks list how is your network rated? how many green bars? does it say the correct name for your network? what security rating does it give for your network? You have turned on the wireless on the laptop?

are all of your workgroups named the same on all your computers, are your passwords correct? Lets check this stuff just for the off chance it may make a difference here.

The first thing you'll want to do is ensure that your PCs all have the same Workgroup name. If you kept the default from Windows XP, your workgroup is called MSHOME. In Vista, the default is WORKGROUP. If you want to view and edit the computer details on each PC to rename your workgroup, you can access this from the main "Vista Welcome Center" screen by choosing the first option "View Computer Details" and select "Show More". This will quickly bring up the Computer Name tab. Here you want to name your PC (this is what it will show up as on the network) and also change your workgroup name. You will need to use the same Workgroup name on each PC that you want to enable file sharing with.

Have you tried a full shut down of all items involved in the proper shut down and restart method?
Turn off all computers (I go so far as to unplug the power cord too), disconnect power from router and modem each individually, let set for several minutes, then power up the modem first, let it get fully initialized all green lights, then power up the router again let it get fully initialized and lit up, next power up your desktop fully, then laptop. See if you get connected with all computers. do not rush let it take time so that they can renew and establish the new info for the connection. Often times this is the magic pill so if you have not done this by all means do it now.

also check this:
"In Windows Vista Home Premium, you have two options for Network Location: Public and Private, and you must choose the Network Location the first time you connect your PC to the network. The network location is what determines your Microsoft Vista firewall settings.

* Public: If you're connecting to a network in a public place, for example a coffee shop or airport, you'll choose a Public location type. Choosing public will limit discovery of other computers and is designed to keep your computer from being visible to others on the network. Public offers the most security.
* Private: Private networks is what you will need to select for home, small office or work networks. Choosing private will automatically configure the firewall settings to allow for communication. "

try following this guide step by step also see if something shows up that you may have missed.
Windows Vista Tip

I took the liberty of tagging the original thread. Not all members will be aware of the history of the concern when a chat room approach is utilized. It is easier for members to read, learn and assist if information is kept in a continuous thread. When the thread does move to the top of the homepage members will be aware that new information has been posted.

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: Original Thread

Passwords are same, workgroup same. Unplugged all connections. 70 or 80 % with 3 bars on our connection. Network set to public, as I want to use it elsewhere. Was wondering if I could discover anything unusual. I did. Control Panel, system, services. NetworkDDE-disabled, NetworkDDE,SDSM- disabled. Is this the problem? I have never seen any of my services disabled. I don't know what these are, but am assuming they may be the culprit. Thank you for your time and knowledge. I appreciate it so much.

It's not a problem see link for that to be disabled.

'I have not found a good use for this service. After the installation of Service Pack 2 or 3, this service is set from Manual to Disabled by default.'

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/Services/Network_DDE_DSDM.htm

Here is a link that might be useful: See here too

It's always possible a firewall could be an issue, if you have gone through everything else.

You could boot to Safe Mode w/Networking and see if Vista connects there, if it does then it's a program getting in the way. Most likely program would be an Anti Virus program especially norton or any of them for that matter. Booting to safe mode can determine that quickly.

are you using AVG as your antivirus if not which one?
Definitely try safemode as zep suggest so that your AV and firewall will not be in play.

Also for trial purposes I would try changing it from public to private and follow those settings to see if that makes a difference. You are actually setting up a home private network so that would be how it should be set. Will make no difference if you use the laptop later at some public hot spot, this is for your home network settings.

In my first paragraph of earlier post I asked some specific questions could you please answer the ones you did not yet answer. Every little thing we can eliminate is important.

I'm giving up on this one. I've tried everything the wizard said. I've tried to do everything you all suggested. It is getting too frustrating to keep doing the same steps over and over and not making the connection. I did the passphrase, did the workgroup change, bars on connection, never got to the box to ask for password, that's when I get the box telling me my settings on this computer do not match the settings for the network. I've spent hours and hours, wasted electricity on a router that I can't connect to, I give up. I sincerely appreciate all your help, especially ravencajun. bye