baffling problem with XP sharing

[John Ousterhout]

I'm baffled by this. I've been trying to fix it all day without success
and I'm so frustrated that I'll ask for help.

I have two Windows XP PCs that were able to share files and now won't
share in the usual way. This problem started sometime during the past
month. I did not make any setting changes but I did install various
Microsoft updates, CounterSpy eval version, and LogMeIn on these two PCs.

I'm using a LinkSys router/WAP and all PCs can access the Internet.
PC1, PC2, PC3 are Ethernet 100 and PC4 and PC5 are WiFi.

I can sucessfully ping all PCs, including those with the problem, (by
name and by IP address) from all other PCs in the workgroup.

Using My Network Places, Microsoft Networks, Workgroup, I can see PC1
and PC2 in the workgroup but clicking on them gives the error message
"PC1 is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this
network resource." Same for PC2. I can access the shared folders on
PC3, PC4 and PC5 normally. (My preferred way to access the shared
folders was a shortcut to the workgroup.)

If I open RUN, type "\\PC1" or "\\PC2" I get the same error message.

If I open RUN, type "\\PC1\shareddocs" or "\\PC2\shareddocs" I can
successfully access the files.

I can also map a network drive if I type "\\PC1\shareddocs" or
"\\PC2\shareddocs" but if I Browse, select PC1 or PC2 and click the + to
open the list the + just disappears.

I've uninstalled "Client for Microsoft Networks" and "File and Printer
Sharing for Microsoft Networks", rebooted and run the Network Setup
Wizard again without any change.

I believe my PCs are free of Viruses and Spyware.

 

[Sleepless in Seattle]

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm (XP
Pro)
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/filesharing.htm (XP Home
Simple File Sharing)