Problems with file sharing & seeing some computers on a small network

Hi prospective Helpers,
I have that old chestnut - I can see & can't see different computers on my small 4.5 computer home Network
and have some file sharing issues .

It all started when I decided to reformat 2 of the computers & reload XPpro. (All computers are running SP2)

Note that all computers are on the same workgroup, have individual names & I have scoured this & other forums
& tried various suggestion including turning simple file sharing on & off - so far with no sucsess.
My New computer (lets call it PC2) is running Home edition XP the rest XPpro.
I have previously had this system operating & at one stage I managed to get one of the 2 rougues to work (how I don't know) but next
day when I powered up (after a bit of a power outage) I couldn't boot it up & had to go into safe mode & then go back in time to get it going.....
That now leaves me in this wierd situation:

PC2 & PC3 work perfectly accross the Network

PC1 can see PC1, PC2 & PC3 but not PC4 on Workgroup
PC1 can access shared folders on PC2, PC3 only
PC1 is visible on Workgroup on PC2 & PC3 & PC4 but access is denied to all

PC4 can see PC1,PC2 & PC3 but can't see itself on Workgroup
PC4 can access shared files on PC2 & PC3 not PC1
None of the other computers can see PC4 on the workgroup
None of the other computers can access shared files on PC4

I have switched Firewall off - still no go. Its like I've missed a check box somewhere to allow outside machines access.
Trouble is I'm blowed if I can find it

Can any of you gurus out there help me with some ideas please? I would much appreciate any clues.

Thanks

install netbios protocol on all machines

ZWERVER install netbios protocol on all machines

Thanks for your response,
Where do I get netbios protocol & what is it, what does it do?

Thanks for your response,
Where do I get netbios protocol & what is it, what does it do?

ok go to control panel---network connections---dubbel click on local area connection----click on propetries----click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)----click on install---chose protocol----then click on add---chose NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol----then click ok.
Restart machines. Succes

if u have any questions . Please

First time on a forum & haven't quite come to grips with the right buttons to press - sorry.

I've tried your suggestion but no go

strange.. did u have another soft(firewall) that can block network traffic???
Try to ping other computers and look wat happens

I can ping all computers ... that is what confuses me

Sorry - only windows firewall on PC1 PC2 PC4 - zone alarm on PC3 but that is one that works

actually it should works, if al PC's on same workgroup and have some share map. Otherwise maybe u can reinstall OS.

What do you mean by same share map?

turn all firewalls of, restart pc's, wait 5 minutes and try to access computers or share maps again. dont forget after restart chek of all firewalls are disabled

I assumed your connected to a switch or router. If its an internet router or adslmodem router, try making sure DHCP is switched on and all computers set to obtain IP automatically. You could also try mapping network drives as this has working in a similar situation for me.

not same share map some share map look above, just share something u can shre also u local HDD

Correct - Its ADSL modem. DHCP on all computers correctly set.
No success mapping

Sorry, again no success. I think its time for me to quit for today - I might try the reformat & reload the OS as previously suggested.
Thanks for the help
Cheers

You welcome!!! and succes

you need ports 135,139,445 to be opened on all systems with a share OR
which are to be allowed to access a share.

you also need all systems to have the same WORKGROUP name
(xp defaults to MSHOME).

your problem is zonealarm. it brings everything to a screaching halt. get rid of it. norton does the same thing.