Unable to connect LAN WGT624V4

[gdafc]

I have recently converted to Virgin Media cable Broadband after using ADSL all the time.

I have only ever used Netgear Routers in the past, both wired and wireless and have had no problems with them.

I am trying to use my new Netgear WGT624V4 to connect a home network which I have always had. I am able to connect all three pcs to the internet with the router but am unable to connect them to share files etc...

FYI 1 Dell XPS 700 desktop and one Compaq presario laptop (hard wired) plus one other desktop (wired) again all have worked fine before.

I have run microsofts Network setup wizard on all pc's (as I always have had) everything appears to be ok until I attempt to map a drive.

In doing so I have I have no folders or pcs available under the "MSHOME" (Network name) icon on the browse for folder.

I have allowed the sharing of several folders on each pc to test but none of them are available.

I had outpost firewall with the working networks which was no problem, however have completely uninstalled this from all pc's in case this was the culprit. Still no luck all I have running now is Windows firewall.

I have hard reset my router in case it was a simple setting, still nothing.


THe pcs ping each other ok.

Can anyone shed somae light on this for me?

Thanks

Garry

[MovedGoalPosts]

Are all the PCs in the same workgroup i.e. MSHOME? Is the same OS on each PC, and would the user of one PC be recognised on another, in other words does the connecting user have the necessary permissions?

[Aragorn]

By default, Windows firewall blocks file and printer sharing. Have you added it to the list of exceptions?

1. On a computer running Windows XP, click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Network Connections.
2. Click Windows Firewall Settings, and then click the Exceptions tab.
3. If necessary, click Edit, and then select the File and Printer Sharing check box.