networking the XP system from hell! help!

I have a similar problem.

I have 2 XP machines connected to each other through a
hub ( Have tried using a cross-over cable, but the
problem remains.) Both have static IPs with no conflicts.
I have tested the hardware and all is perfect.

Have enabled ICS. I can access the internet on the client
machine, but cannot access the workgroup - MSHOME (the
default) from either the host or client!!! I get the same
error. I can't ping either. Netstat shows the connection
(TCP on port 5000 from the client) established when
checked from both machines. Have made sure that NetBIOS
is enabled on both lan connections and Computer Browser
is running as well. No firewalls are running on the LAN
connection. Any help would be much appreciated.

-----Original Message-----
Tried more stuff, still can't get it working. Added to
the list of what i've tried.

got 4 machines, 3 running XP one running 2k on a
wireless G network, no domain, just workgroup. All the
machines can access the internet through the router, and
all get an IP from the router. one of the XP machines
gives this error when i try to see the workgroup
computers.

"Workgroup is not accessible. You might not have
permission to use this network resource. Contact the
administrator of this server to find out if you have
access permissions. The list of servers for this
workgroup is not currently available."

the odd thing is it gives me that error even though im
loged in as THE administrator. no other computers on the
network can see this XP machines, but the other computers
on the network can see each other. file and print
sharing are enabled on the problem machine, i tried at
first using the wizard, didn't work, then tried doing the
advanced sharing and doing manual configuration, still no
dice.

from the problem machine explorer window using
a "\\computername" will not find other comps on the
network, but using "\\localIP" will find other machines
on the network.

I've looked through the administrative tools, of running
services and disabled all the firewalls, went though user
accounts to check access and went through the security
policies for clues and came up with nothing. Disabled
VPN policy, disabled DNS client service, checked ipconfig
node type, made sure NetBIOS helper service is running,
enabled anonamous logins and guest accounts. Im stumped,
any help would be great.

.