I set this 9 machine work group up 3 years ago, and had no problems until recently. All machines are running XP Pro SP1
1. On some of the machines, attempting to view all the network computers, I get an error message stating "access to the xxxxxx network is denied, please check with the administrator". If I use search, I can access most of the shared items on any network PC.
2. File sharing. This is the real reason for the post. Even with a network shared folder displayed in network neighborhood, I can't access some folders. I set up a test folder on the 2 main workstations and shared them and they are visible on the network, but can't be opened. I unchecked simple file share in folder options and set permissions to full access and still can't gain access. Anyone have any ideas?

Hello GoldenRog,

Welcome to PCHF.

Can you check the following:
- Go to your local area connection properties (Control Panel, Network Connections), and make sure "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" is ticked.
- Make sure all your PC's are on the same subnet (..Internet Protocol TCP/IP, Properties).
- Same workgroup name (Control Panel, System, Computer Name, Change).
- Check the event logs for any errors when trying to connect (Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer). - report any back here.
- Make sure there are no network related software that may be starting up, that could cause this problem (Start, Run, type: msconfig, Startup tab, and disable one at a time, reboot and test).
- Try mapping drives instead (right click on My Computer, Map Network Drive, Folder/Path should be \\ip address\share name , for example \\192.168.0.4\myshare)
- Try disabling simple file sharing (in Windows Explorer, go to Tools, Folder Options, View tab, and untick "Simple File Sharing" from there).

EDIT: Marked as Answered.