wait a sec i did answer your question. I tried your suggestion and it did not work. I then uninstalled Avast and tried it and it saw the network with no problems. I then installed MSE and it still sees the network.
So there is a conflict somewhere with Avast Free and this 64 bit Windows 7 Pro sp1.

I have Avast free and on 2 XP Pro Sp3 computers and Avast internet security on another xp pro sp3 all 32bit and all of them see each one. I have windows 7 home premium on a laptop running Avast Free and that one also sees the network and the network sees it with no problems. I am not knocking Avast because i put it on all my clients computers (all so far are running 32bits), I am saying there is this problem on this 64bit one

I also use MSE on those that do not play friendly with Avast and those who have absolutely no clue how to use an antivirus program because lets face it, Avast is a bit complicated for the beginner use to swallow unless someone else is setting it up for them and MSE is just plain very easy.

robin