XP Prof and Vista sharing issues

[Rhoda Dendron]

Good afternoon

I work in a small company and am faced with an issue I do not have the expertise to solve.

1xPC is running Vista and 1xPC is running XP Prof.

I need to be able to share an Access Database between the two.

I have purchased a Buffalo external hard drive (no soft ware included) on which to place the database in the hope of using it simultainiously and then synchronising.

I have absolutely no idea how to do this, and the IT department that lives in the bottom draw of my desk have all gone to lunch!!!

I should mention that the PC running XP is also the computer that the other staff members access the Printer through.

I hope I have explained myself adequately enough.

Thanks in anticipation.

[Rudra.J]

I this you must first look at the already existing threads :
Vista/XP Home Network Problem
Windows XP - LAN networking problem
Can not see Vista and XP computers on the network
Vista Can't see Xp or 2003 Server Help!
Vista home in a network
cannot share folder on my network with vista

[RoninBlade]

In order to share folders which ou used to do on Windows XP, then you simply need to right-click the folder, and choose the Properties option. Then you need to choose the Advanced Sharing button. Now you might be able to check the box "Share this folder", and choose a share name, which will be accessible from \\computer\myshare, let say for example you can also click on the Permissions button in order to allow write access to this share, or allow access to only a particular user.

[Rhoda Dendron]

Thanks for your input, however:

Which PC should I connect the hard drive to ?
Do I connect the 2 computers with an Ethernet ?

I have no expertise on this subject, and whilst the links provided by the first responder were interesting, I could not see how they relate to my problem.

I need to start from scratch.

If any one could just walk me through this 'parrot fashion' I would be much obliged.

Rgds
Rhoda