file access and sql server access

[InNeedOfAssistance]

I recently reformatted my XP Professional laptop. When I did so I must have
missed some security setting or user or something. From the laptop I am able
to access files on other pc's in the domain as well as connect using SQL
Server to other PCs. The problem is the reverse - the other machines can't
copy files from my pc and they cannot connect to my SQL Server.

I'm sure it must be something simple that I have just overlooked but I have
been going nuts checking users, permission, etc. on my laptop. Do you have
any ideas why my XP laptop would be blocking users from accessing files and
SQL Server? Your help would be SO MUCH appreciated.

I also run Norton Internet Security and have been though the settings there
too to see if I missed something.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

 

[InNeedOfAssistance]

Addendum

My file sharing problem was a firewall problem BUT with the firewall
disabled I'm still unable to connect to this database from another pc via
SQL Server. I can see databases on the other PCs from this PC.

Would it be better if I post this problem under XP Security rather than
here? I wasn't sure where to post at first.