LAN problem

[ash_bladerunner]

Hello everyone. My problem seems a little stupid.
I have a small home network made up of three computers sharing an Internet connection through a router.
Last week I was forced to reinstall my Windows because of a crash. I reinstalled everything and all seemed OK. Today I needed to copy something from the LAN and I couldn't.
I installed the drivers correctly the first time, and even took the latest today from the MB's producer's site. I tried in vain to change the workgroup, it didn't work. The other two computers see each other just fine and allow file sharing. Mine, although it's on the same workgroup it doesn't seem to be able to connect with the others.
The Internet connection and ping command work perfectly. There is no problem with firewalls, already tried those, even antivirus.
The only strange thing i saw this time was in device manager a "wan miniport(IPX)" with a question sign near it. I don't remember ever seeing that in the network connections in device manager before.

So, this is my problem. I hope someone can give me an advice. Microsoft's site didn't and neither did anyone I know. Help me please!!!!!

[Paul Komski]

Have you shared any folders on the new install?

Is the computer name causing any conflict; try changing it to a nice short brand new name.

Which versions of windows are running on all three PCs. Simple file sharing can be problematic particularly if your shared folder is within the Documants and Settings area.

WAN miniport may be a chipset driver that is required - not absolutely sure - but its never good news if there are any problem devices. Are you an AOL user? Some Ideas HERE (http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/t1036342536).

[ash_bladerunner]

I have given a share folder other than Documents and Settings. No good.
The name is simple, no special characters or numbers in it.
All the computers use Windows XP Professional SP2.
That driver problem I know is not good news, I tried uninstalling it but I didn't have any success. I believe that might be one of the causes for the LAN crash.
I'll have to dig further to see, if not maybe reinstalling the OS might solve it. I wish though I didn't have to.

[Paul Komski]

Under the network card's properties are there any IPX or Novell entries that can be removed?

[ash_bladerunner]

I have 2 IPX entries but neither can be removes. This is getting on my nerves!!! :((:((:((

[Variable]

IPX wont cause an issue with file sharing over tcp/ip. You must have TCP/IP installed if you are able to connect to the internet and ping the other machines.
Open a folder on the problem machine and click Tools, then Folder Options, click View and slide all the way to the bottom, are you using simple file sharing? Are the toher machines that don't have the issue using Simple File sharing? It uses the Guest account, which SP2 XP pro will have disabled.