I can not see other computer on network and visa versa

I set up my lan w/ cat5 from a Linksys BEFW11S4 router to each computer. Both computers run XP although one is XP PRO. I have McAfee Security Suite and Zone Alarm running on both computers. The router is connected to my Comcast cable modem. Both computers have no trouble connecting to the web. When I open the McAfee Security Center and click on "Manage Networks" I can see my entire network. I am able to click on both computers and "Monitor Their Security". My problem, so far, is when I open "My Network Places" I can only see the shared docs folder on the local machine. I believe I should also see shared docs on the other networked machine. Correct? Also when I open "Entire Network" then "Microsoft Windows Network" I see an icon w/3 computers but when I click on that I can only see the local machine.
Is it security settings? or firewall settings? I really need to share files back and fourth between the machines. Please Help.
Thank You Everyone
Cmdr Chill

 

If you disconnect the internet from the Linksys router you can easily disable your firewalls on the two windows workstations. If networking still does not work, make sure they are in the same workgroup, and can ping each other. Once file sharing works, you can re-enable your desktop firewalls. When it's all working properly, connect back into the internet. This process will allow you to deal with potential issues one at a time, and not risk your security.

 

Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings, http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what it is allowed to be shared.

Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx

Basic XP - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/filesharing.mspx

Advanced XP - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

 

Thank you JPSchwartz and cat5e I followed your advice and disconnected the router from the modem and turned off the firewalls and there it was! I turned on one firewall at a time until access was denied. I learned that I had to put the other machine into ZoneAlarm's trusted zone. As soon as I did this my lan was working fine. Thanks again
Cmdr Chill