Question : XP/ME NETWORK PROBLEMS.

I had a network running fine with two ME boxes. I upgraded one box to XP PRO and added a laptop (XP HOME) to the network. The ME box is no longer able to share files and printers. Cannot see the ME from either of the XP boxes and the ME box cannot see anything on the network. However, the ME is able to log onto the internet. XP PRo and XP home are having no problems with each other. I have tried everything. All settings look correct, and I have even deleted everything from the ME box and statred all over again. I just cannot get the ME and XP boxes to see each other.

Box 1: desktop, XP PRO
Box 2: Laptop, XP home
Box 3: desktop, ME

Network equipment: Linksys router BEFSR41 and Linksys cable modem BESCMU10

Thanks in advance

Answer : XP/ME NETWORK PROBLEMS.

Some information networking XP to non-XP. XP has a whole new setup and must be adjusted to be backward compatible.

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First and formost, make sure there is no firewall software running! XP has built in PFW.Turn off the Internet Connection Firewall ICF in the advanced settings for the Lan Connection. Check for Norton Internet Security AV/Firewall, BlackIce, ZoneAlarm, et al.
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Next, check your XP networking setup:
http://support.chartermi.net/support/pipeline/windows/winxp_network.html
Although this link says to set netbios over tcp/ip to "default", follow the instructions below...
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Turn on "Simple file sharing" on the XP machine. Open explorer, click tools, click folder options, click the view tab and scroll down until you see "Use simple file sharing" then check the box..
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For the duration of testing, enable the Guest account on XP. If all works, you can deal with that issue later (username/passwords for everyone on every PC)
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Client for Microsoft Networks needs to be the primary network logon for all other machines
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All machines are in the same workgroup


Enable NetBios over TCP/IP in WIndows XP
Step 1: Turn On NetBIOS over TCP/IP
Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Network and Internet Connections.
Click Network Connections.
Right-click Local Area Connection, and then click Properties.
Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click Properties.
Click the General tab, and then click Advanced.
Click the WINS tab.
Under NetBIOS setting, click Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP, and then click OK two times.
Click Close to close the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box.
Close the Network Connections window.

Step 2: Start the Computer Browser Service
Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
In the console tree, expand Services and Applications.
Click Services.
In the right details pane, verify that the Computer Browser service is started, right-click Computer Browser, and then click Start.
Close the Computer Management window.

References:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318030
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314366
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315267
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot/slowbrowse02.htm
http://www.michna.com/kb/WxNetwork.htm