Shared Folder Prompting for a Password

I have an NT4 file server, and a mixed workgroup with Mac OS9+, Win 95-XP and all in between. Previous to Monday there were no problems accessing the "group" shared folder on this server, but all of a sudden, it is asking for a password for access to that folder from any of the computers on the workgroup. I have not been on that server in weeks so it was nothing I "did" that I can think of. it just started happening out of the blue. When I try to browse the "entire network" on this NT box all I see for workgroup are this NT box and one other, all the rest of the PCs are not showing. After several restarts there is no change. What can be done to remedy this?
Thanks for any assistance!

 

Is this a domain environment or a stand-alone server?

DRD

 

The server is part of a workgroup. All the PCs are on that workgroup too.

 

Check that passwords match between accounts on the server and the workstations. This prompt could indicate that a user account with the same name has a different password on the server.

Might want to check permissions as well.

DRD

 

Well the strange thing is that for years, literally, no one has needed a password or matching account on the server. It has always just worked. Now, they are getting a password prompt. I even made a user account on the server to match one of the Win 98 PCs and the password does not work. Permissions: everyone has full control. Is there a way I can get it to work so that the NT server will have an open share where no one needs a password if they are on the workgroup and no one needs a "matching account" anywhere?