I only have a theory when it comes to this wierd delay in discovering local networks. Remember that Vista is built from the ground up with security in mind. Perhaps Microsoft has new security layers in the code that tries to secure the PC before it connects to a network. In many ways to protect ourselves from fools and crackers who would exploit the connection, Vista probably tries to determine risk and strength of the network before it gives you the data. Hopefully, SP 1 or future service packs will fix that and speed up the process.