XP Sees 2 Others; Others Don't See XP

[John Gregory]

My LAN has been working well for six months now; the newest deskktop with
Windows XP HE linked to a portable WIN98SE and another desktop running
WIN95. The networks goes from Cable modem to router to switch then to the
three machines.In the past week, I've noticed a change.My XP (used 95% of
the time) sees the other two machines but the other two don't see the XP but
DO see each other when the XP is shut down. It's as though the XP takes
command when it comes on and rules the network; it sees all but the other
two don't see it... nor one another for that matter.

I really don't know where to begin. I've shut the network (hard wired) down
several times but get the same results.

 

[Jerry]

Try turning off the ICF in XP.

 

[John Gregory]

ICF? Sorry to be so ignorant but... what is it and where do I find it?

 

[-Joe]

Check to see that all machines are in the same workgroup.

 

[John Gregory]

When the two older machines are on alone, I can check the workgroup. They're
OK. However, when the XP is turned on, the network neighborhood can't be
read. The machines take minutes to find the "network neighborhood" icon then
when I click the folders, I get a message that the network can't be read.
Kindda' like something is shielding the readings.

However, when I go upstairs to the XP, I see all machines without problems
and can access the other two. Just can't go from the others to the XP.

 

[John Gregory]

Found the definition of ICF. It's not running. I'm using a free-standing
version of McAfee's firewall.