On the desktop computer are you allowing remote access?

YEP

any error message or just timing out? I don't know much about the Surface device. Does the OS allow remote access to other devices? Based on what I read quickly you need another medium to access desktop files from the Surface.

I'm assuming you're trying to do this:

Connect to a network computer

i can acess one computer using XP, but i cannot acess the other one using Win 8.1

I deleted the Homegroup on the main computer (desktop) and recreated it back with all the file sharing settings on. On the Surface RT when I search for the Homegroup it says there is no Homegroup on the network. So I am at lost.

Try disconnecting the Surface from wireless and reconnecting. You went through everything in this link http://www.dummies.com/how-to/...o-networked-pcs.html?

Time to go back to the slate and chalk.

Actually from my Windows 8 laptop, I cannot access my files on my Windows 7 desktop although it is set for sharing. So I gave up and use a jump drive instead.

lol at Ksaz,  Anta it worked man, perfect, I followed the info. Thanks

Now last think left for me, is Outlook Express how do I get that email setting on the screen to check my email

You prefer Outlook Express as opposed to Outlook or is it that the device doesn't allow Outlook. I find Outlook much more versatile than Express.

I guess outlook then, i got my young son trying to figure it

Ok got it all to work now, this is the life now, watching cricket downstairs and hugging up the wife

cool... glad you got it working.