Existing network has mix of Win95/98/Me/Xp computers all happily talking to each other with fixed IP addresses (192.168.0.0 range)through a hub. Added another XP computer and original computers still OK but the new one can only 'see' the other XP computers on the network in my network places but is able to ping all of them. The Win9x computers can't see the new XP computer but can ping it. All the usual networking components for a Microsoft network correctly installed plus NETBUEI on the new XP computer to try to get it to recognise the Win95/98 etc computers. All are in the same subnet and workgroup. Simple File sharing is enabled and I've uninstalled and reinstalled all of the networking components including reinitialising TCP/IP on the new XP computer. I even ran the networking wizard on a couple of the 98 computers but it still doesn't recognise them. What extra do you have to do on a WinXP computer for it to recognise and be recognised by Win9x computers?

By any chance was the NEW XP machine installed with NTFS instead of FAT32? Since WIN98 machines can't read NTFS you may not be able to access the XP machine from them.

I don't know the answer to your question, but I happen to know that it's irrelavent what file system (FAT32, NTFS) you're running when you're sharing files over the network. It's only relatvent when you're trying to directly access the hard drive from the computer.

You might need to setup LMHOST files on all your computers and setup local accounts on each windows 2000 an XP machines that reflect the win9X user's and passwords. Remember windows 2000/XP really are used for domain login's except XP home witch can only use workgroups not domains.

Thanks for the suggestions. Its not FAT32/NTFS and I've already tried setting up User Accounts / Passwords as if the XP computer were a Win2000 one and that didn't work. I haven't tried the LMHOSTS suggestion though but its a bit laborious for a system that's supposed to easier to network with than Win9x with whch I never had any (well not much!) trouble.

I am about to do the same thing on my own network. I have been told that you need an account with the same name and password on an XP computer for the Win98 to use to sign in to be granted access.

I've now found a solution for the Win98 and ME computers on the network - run the Win XP networking setup floppy disk on these computers then reset the IP addresses and workgroup name. Can't do this for the win95 PCs though. The problem must be either extra files needed for networking with WinXP or updated file versions being required. Anyone any idea exactly what the WinXP network setup floppy does on a Win98 or ME computer?