Can't access New PC when added to Workgroup

I have a home network set up with a Linksys router WRT54G. Three PCs on network, members of workgroup MSHOME.
PC1 - Windows 98, wired connection to router.
PC2 - Windows XP SP3, wireless connection
PC3 - Windows XP SP3, wireless connection

All PCs can see each other in Windows workgroup and can share files. All can access the internet.

I am trying to add PC4 and am having problems.
PC4 - Windows XP Pro SP3, wired connection. PC4 can access the internet.

When I "View workgroup computers from PC1, PC2 and PC3, I can see all 3 PCs from each. I cannot see PC4.
When I "view workgroup computers from PC4, I can see PC1, 2 and 3. I can not see PC4.

When I type "net view" from the command prompt on PC1, 2 or 3, I can see all PCs except PC4. (Same when I type thiss command on PC4).

What can I be doing wrong? It seems PC4 is not in the workgroup, but System COmputer name screen says it is, and PC4 can see the other 3 PCs in the workgroup. I'm stumped. Help!

 

Reran Network Setup Wizard -- same results.
The weird thing is when I "Viw Workgroup Computers" from PC4, PC4 does not appear (PC1, PC2 and PC3 do.)
When I "View Workgroup Computers" from PC1, PC2 and PC3, PC4 never appears as a workgroup computer.

 

Thanks for staying with me on this. To answer your questions:

Does pc4 have same workgroup name as other comps? Is file & print sharing enabled on pc4?
----- Yes


pc4 - Also, go to control panel > folder options > view tab > top of list > checkmark "auto search for network..." > bottom of list "use simple file sharing ".
---- Simple file sharing is turned on


pc4 - Go to control panel > admin tools > services > set to auto & started: comp browser service.
-------- Set to Auto and Started

pc4 - Verify file & print sharing is allowed by Windows Firewall
--------- File & print sharing is enabled.

It's frustrating-- it seems I am so close... I can ping PC4 by computer name and IP address, I just can't see it in Workgroup or share files on it. I can access shared files on other Pcs from PC4.

 

Computer browsing is started and running... I stopped it and restarted it also.

Are you referring to protocol in "Network Connections" or "Windows Firewall" can you guide me to proper point to check?

Also, I am able to access shared files on other PCs from PC4, but when I try to access shared files on PC4 from other pcs, I receive the message
"\\PC4\shareddocs 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.

 

Hi Tony, I think I found the problem. It seems the access issue was due to file ownership (who knew). I found this when poking around the internet last night

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881


and made the suggested changes, (taking ownership of the file, etc.) and presto.... I can now access the shared files on PC4. I have also been able to map a network drive from PC4 on another PC.

I still cannot see PC4 when I view Workgroup computers, though. That still seems weird, but at least I can access its files. Thanks for your help it is really appreciated.

Now, on to another (smaller) problem... PC4 was part of a domain network computer way back when and when I boot it up and shut it down it tries to sync files with "something" (I assume it is trying to sync back to its old network. Is there any way I can stop or disable this syncing thing? It always fails because it is no longer connected to the old network.