File/Print sharing - works/doesn't work???!

Just installed Linksys BEFSR41 router to share cable connection between 2 XP machines (was using ICS). Both machines have TCPIP, File/Print Sharing for MS Networks, Client for MS Networks. Both machines can access the internet just fine. Both are in the same workgroup. Machine A has no shared drives, Machine B has all of it's drives shared.

Before the router, A could browse all of B's drives, copy and move files, etc. But now, that only works if B has just been rebooted. And it only works for a short time. After a while, if I try to access anything on B, I get this error - "\\Machine B\xx drive is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact Administrator for access permissions"

Also, I can ping each machine only by ip address and not by computer name. IPs are dished out by the router (DHCP). Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks....d;)

Try giving the PCs static IP addresses. If the router is 192.168.1.1, then give your PCs 192.168.1.2, and 192.168.1.3.

Also check the Linksys owner's manual to see what other client-side TCP/IP settings you might want to change.

What Firmware version is on the Linksys? I had similar problems with it until I upgraded the Firmware.

Once you can't access the shared folders on "B" from "A", can "B" still go out onto the NET?

Thanks, I tried the the static ip addresses but no dice. The BEFSR41 is at 1.40.2 and Machine B has no problems getting to the net at any time.

I'll try uninstalling/reinstalling the client and services (ie. Client for MS NWs and File/Print Sharing for MS NWs) bound to Machine A's nic. Not going to touch Machine B for now. If I can't get this to work, I'll reset the router to factory settings and start over.

Thanks for the suggestions.......d;)

Next time it happens, try and reboot "A". If it works then the problem stems with the router. If it doesn't, you're problem is with "B".