I have a small 3 PC peer2peer network with a router/DSL modem.
Internet access works fine for all.
PC#1 (XP Home) can access files on PC#2 and PC#3.
PC#2 (XP Home) Can access files on PC#3.
PC#3 (XP Pro) can access files on PC#2.
The problem is
PC#2 and PC#3 cannot access files on PC#1 (PAUL).
All drives on all 3 PCs are set shared.
All three systems have the same user name (administrator) and no password.

We get the following message when trying to access PC#1 (Paul) from either of the other two PCs.

"\\Paul is not accessible. You might not have permission to use the network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions.
Access is denied."

I sure would appreciate any suggestions.

I like to use IP address's.

Can you access \\paul from paul?

Any firewall settings on paul that might need to allow local lan as trusted?

I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you goober.

Thanks a lot for responding, Jefro! Yes, I can access Paul from Paul.

I tried shutting down Zonealarm on both systems and it didn't help. I forgot to mention that. I do have Zonealarm set up with all the local LAN addresses as trusted (0-104 and 1-104).

I have to call it a day now. I'll check tomorrow for any suggestions. If none, I think I'll try removing TCP and all the rest of the LAN stuff and see what happens. I might even try a clean install. I have image backups, so I can always get back to where I am now.

Check any firewall feature on antivirus software on PC, disable it temporary if you found it.

Also make sure you've enabled "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" on network card's properties.

Thanks Picohat, I've tried your suggestions and still get the same failure.

I've also tried disabling everyting in 'Local area connections properties' and then re-anabling and that didn't change anything.

I'm going to try a clean install.

Thanks guys. I'll post back with an update.

Well, I decided to try a clean install of XP Pro instead of XP Home. It worked fine.

I then restored the XP Home system from an Image and tried a 'Repair' install on it. No luck, it failed the same way.

I then did a 'Clean' install of XP Home and it's working ok. I now have to rebuild my system. I will try to remember to keep track of things, to see if I can determine what caused the problem. I will post back if I find out anything.