Cant access one computer via network neighborhood

[Velvis]

I have a client with 3 Windows XP Pro machines. All of a sudden the main computer cant access one of the other machines.

I can ping it via the IP address, but I can access it through Windows explorer anymore.

Any ideas?

 

[AlaDes]

I just had an issue similar to this. Try disabling sharing on the folder(s) on the computer you are trying to access and then re-enabling it.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Have you tried bringing it up via IP address?
start...run... \\ip address instead of \\host name

What are the computers using for DNS? Probably the routers LAN IP. Not a pubic DNS server right?

Under advanced TCP properties WINS tab is "netbios over IP" enabled?

 

[ProfessorCPU]

Are these computers in a domain or workgroup? On the share permissions who is allowed access? Everyone? Or a specific user? Check the share settings and the security settings. Are you on a static IP setup or a dynamic? Make sure they are all on the same IP scheme. Check for any possible firewall as well.

On rare cases I have seen an issue in XP where you have to modify something in the registry... but I don't recall exactly what it was.

Workgroup computers can sometimes be a pain in the butt since each computer controls it's own security whereas in a domain you get a central server to handle access. Do you only have 3 PC's in this network? Or is there more. I think windows xp has some sort of limitation in workgroups where you can only share to about 7 computers at a time without a domain.

It wouldn't hurt to run a quick scan with ADWcleaner and Junkware Removal Tool as well.