Two XP Home PC network. One PC cannot see the other on workgroup

[A31Chris]

My roommate and I both have PC's running XP Home. We both hooked into my router to start a lan (which we done before) for playing games together. His system has just been restored. New XP Home install. Now when we hook into the router for network and both run the network setup wizard, I can see him on the network but he cannot see me. He can access the internet fine when we plug him back into his modem. My XP firewall is not currently turned on(at least last I checked because it seems Windows update sometimes turns it back on against my wishes) and his was on but I tried turning it off with no better luck.

I am going to try this fix for now:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/903267

but if anyone has any experience in this area would love some suggestions.

[A31Chris]

Just checked my PC again, apparently some update has turned back on the XP firewall once again. So irritating.

[SpywareDr]

Just as an FYI, when it's setup right, networking works with the Windows XP firewall enabled. The firewall can then help to keep your system protected.

[lgbpop]

Make sure your file sharing is enabled, and obviously that you both use the same workgroup name. But you knew that.

He can access the internet fine when we plug him back into his modem.

Why did you say this? Are you implying he can't access the internet when connected to your router? Make sure in Internet Options, click LAN Settings under the Connections tab and make sure all boxes are unchecked.

[A31Chris]

Make sure your file sharing is enabled, and obviously that you both use the same workgroup name. But you knew that. Why did you say this? Are you implying he can't access the internet when connected to your router? Make sure in Internet Options, click LAN Settings under the Connections tab and make sure all boxes are unchecked.

The router is just for LAN, its not hooked to the internet. Just wanted to clairfy that his PC does seem to be 'reaching out' just fine. Just cant see my PC for some reason.

[ua549]

Can he ping your IP address?

[A31Chris]

We havent tried that yet. We have not messed with it in a week or so.