Question : PING fails and NetBt4321 errors on XP Pro with Netgear FWAG114

Dear experts,

I have a problem that I have seen multiple fixes for on the internet, but can't seem to get working on my two XP Pro machines.  Somehow during trying to get rid of a virus by installing virus protection software, spybot, etc. on two machines, my home network got screwed up big time.

The root of the cause may a NetBt 4321 error on MachineA I see during use of the eventvwr.  The problem is not being easy to get rid of though I have seen the writeup on the Microsoft site.

Common to both machines:
- Both seem to pass (or skip) the netdiag tests.
- Both use XP Pro with Simple File Sharing turned off but both have defined shares.
- Both have all Firewalling/antivirus turned off including windows.
- Both on same Netgear FWAG114 router with all wireless turned off.  Has been reset/rebooted
- Both use static IP addresses though previously before reset they used DHCP addresses.  Wanted them static to the same IP addresses since I use CVS.
- Both have NetBios over TCP turned on and have file sharing turned on.
- Have carefully checked IP mask (255.255.255.0), workgroup names matching, etc.


MachineA
------------
- Gets lots of NetBt 4321 errors.
- Can at times see my workgroup WORKGROUP randomly.
- Can access machine B directly via ping and other means but off and on can not access the internet.
- Sometimes gets workgroup access permission errors.


MachineB
- Can not ping MachineA though might see it in WORKGROUP.
- Has full access to the internet.
- Sometimes gets workgroup access permission errors.


I don't know what to do and could use some help.  I am a developer and this is taking me days to resolve and hurting me at this point.  Thank you for your help.

Answer : PING fails and NetBt4321 errors on XP Pro with Netgear FWAG114

BUT -- the solution is pretty clear.  When viruses wreak havoc in your system, there are lots of files that become corrupted.  Sure you can delete some of these, but you can never be sure they are all whole again.  So here is the solution ---

1.  delete ALL network adapters from yhour computer --everything, all networking, all protocols.
2.  Put the XP CD rom in the CD drive and boot from it, go on as if you are going to do a new install
3.  Go past the F8 screen until you get to a screen where it finds your old install C:\WINDOWS.
4.  At this point, press "R" to repair the installation (don't press enter, it will wipe out your old setup!!)
5.  After some time, reboot and immediately re-install service pack 1, which is crucial for internet activity.
6.  When all is stable, set a restore point, as the re-install reference point.

If your setup is still not stable after this, you will need to do a clean reinstall of windows.  VIruses can destroy it.