Death Of A Network

I have two computers running xp sp2 with every update that is available.
About three weeks ago the network between the two failed and I have tried everything I can think of to repair it but nothing works. I have gone through the set up procedure to create a network several times on both machines but no joy:cry . I get this message:

\\is not accessible.You might not have permission to use this resource. Contact the administrator to find out if you have access permission.
Network not found.

I am the only person who has ever used these computers.
I have shared documents folders set up for sharing etc. I have scanned both computers with many different AV programs and they have come up clean.
I would greatly appreciate any help

 

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 is allowed to be shared.

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

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

.

 

Thanks, I will have a read of these and see how I get on.