Why will my laptop share files but Netbook won't ?

I have a Linksys WAG160N Router-Modem-Wifi and three HP compters, a hard wired HP Desktop (Vista), a wifi-connected Laptop (XP) and a wifi-connected Netbook (XP). All three share the DSL internet connection and share a printer without problem. In addition, the Laptop can easily access, read, write and save all files on the Desktop and vice versa.

However, the Netbook did once (briefly) but now is totally unable to share files stored on the Desktop . I have tried ipconfig, ping and Fing-Overlook-Netstuff tools without sucess. Indeed the Netbook cannot even identify the presence of the Desktop. I have used ipconfig/release, ipconfig/renew then I assigned FIXED IP addresses. I have run EnumProcess to check that there is no Firewall on my Netbook, hindering sharing and I have contacted HP Chat and have tried whatever I can think of but all without success.

From the attached, I see that the

1. sharing laptop has IP Routing ENABLED-NO whilst the Non-Sharing Netbook has IP Routing ENABLED-Yes. As both the Laptop and Netbook have FIXED IP addresses, I wonder if this is irrelevant.
   
2. In the Wireless Connection Properties on both the Laptop and the Netbook, I see "Microsoft TCP/IP version 6" showing in the box headed "This connection uses the following items" but in both cases, the specific properties are greyed out, maybe implying that Microsoft TCP/IP version 6 is not actually installed. Would loading v6 help me, if a disabled Internet protocol (TCP/IP) ?
   
   May I ask:
   
   Are there any clues from the attached data:
   http://i46.tinypic.com/esswfc.jpg
   
   Is it sensible / how can I, erase all wireles connections, network Connection Properties, Protocols and exsisting home Network details and start a complete clean install of my (1) Router-internet-sharing-Network and my (2) file-sharing-Network (are they the same thing ?).
   
   Or should I give up or upgrade to Win7 throughout ?
   
   Any steer would be much appreciated>

 

Sorry - I am unable to overcome file type / size limitations to provide a readable attachment.

So can I ask - how can I delete ALL the existing Router, Wireless and Network connections from all PCs and start afresh ?

 

OK, I couldn't really read the attachment, but will toss out a couple of suggestions:

1) make sure that both machines have file sharing enabled.

2) make sure both are running on the same workgroup (not domain)

3) make sure both are hitting the router (if you're using wifi with your netbook, make sure it's YOUR router that it's hitting)


There's some basic thoughts... sometimes, it's best to start at the bottom, when the monitor won't turn on, make sure it's plugged into the wall first... that sort of thing.


~C