Windows XP Pro network problem - missing computers

[csingleton]

I have a main pc (server) setup with two other client computers connected to it. The two clients connect with the server fine and can both view/edit files on the server. every now and again they get random messages saying things like:
-couldn't access file
-dont have permission
and sometimes we open a folder on the client pc (which is saved on the server) and all the files are missing, hit refresh and they appear again. some times it works fine, but sometimes it does't.

also when going into entire network in network places, only the server computer is shown, and the 2 clients are missing.

i have pinged the 2 client pcs from the server and its fine.

i think its comething to do with permissions in local security policies but now sure.
any help?

 

[linney]

Make sure your Network Adapters are using the latest drivers available. Check your Event Viewers for any clues.

A few semi-related Threads and tweaks you can look at to see if they help.

My Laptop is Invisible to Network
thread779-1024881

Hide Workstation from Network Browser Listing, tweak.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanserver\parameters

New Value (DWORD) = Hidden = 0 or 1 (1 = hide) then reboot.

Workstation Service will not start. Can't read network
thread779-1006464

 

[LeonBar]

Do you have all of the computers using the same workgroup?

Leon

 

[firewolfrl]

on the server machine...Do you have the harddrives turn off or let the machine go dormant after a certain time period of inactivity...the harddrive setting is just a matter of trying again after the first try
as for the other issue
it sounds really like you have one of the computers is arguing that it is the browse master versus the server being browse master...I have seen this where a server will argue with itself with 2 network cards on the same network (it would not load balance or play nice) if you have 2 network cards...just try one
set up your host files and your lmhosts.sam file this may help...it sure doesn't hurt to try and is easy to reverse