Question : Extremely slow local networking, Internet seems to be fine

Hello,  I have 2 XP machines, each connected to a comcast modem/router.  The PC in the back has  a shared folder called quickbooks2008.  The PC in the front has a fresh install of XP.  The internet seems to work just fine on each.  When I try to connect to the server from the front PC, Windows explorer freezes up and takes about a minute to give me an error.  Anytime I try to access anything what so ever on the Back PC, it takes a minute or 2.  I can enter the UNC path and get to the shares, When I map the drive, it maps, but when I try to access it, it says the either the resource is no longer available, or it says the network name is already in use.  Also, if i just try to get into the shared folder without mapping it, it freezes up for about 5 minutes, then says it's not accessible, I may not have permission to access it.  But it never asks me for credentials and I don't have any credentials saved under manage network passwords.  I'm pretty good with networks, but I don't know what else to do.

Answer : Extremely slow local networking, Internet seems to be fine

You could also try connecting the server and PC workstation directly with a crossover cable and set a static address for each. (Does the server have a static already?) Then access the share and check performance. If it works without a hitch then its hardware/networking, if it still causes issues then you have a glitch on the server - possibly permissions or another similar issue.