New Macbook Pro Connection Problems with PC Network

Hi All,

I'm new to the mac world. I just picked up a new MPB. I'm having difficulties seeing my established windows network. I have a workgroup name setup for the network. I have 3 windows 7 PCs and one XP PC and one windows home server connected to the network with no problem. I had my mac connected originally, but suddenly it won't see the workgroup. I've been racking my brain to think of what I've changed but there is nothing I can come up with. I've checked and re-checked the workgroup name in WINS. I've used command+k to successfully connect to the WHS, but I still can't see the workgroup in Finder. In fact, there is no network category.

Here is possibly the best clue....I have VMware fusion with windows 7 also installed. It cannot see the workgroup as well. I know that I know how to setup windows 7 properly, so for some reason it has something to do with the mac.

I have nothing fancy setup with the firewall that could affect this. Besides, I know I haven't changed anything on the router since my mac originally saw the workgroup.

I'm hoping the mac community can help me out on this one!!!

Thanks,
Tim

ok...so much for my best clue. I've changed the VM to a bridged connection and now my windows 7 vm connects great with my windows machines.

Now, suddenly I can't even use command + k to connect to my windows home server. This is definitely a mac issue. Why can't I see my workgroup!

Aren't macs just supposed to "work"? That's what my "mac" friends always told me... I had better luck networking a ubuntu box...