the network name is all caps "BLAHBLAH" all three machines are running xp pro sp2 its still down. he can get files off the compaq and my machine, but his shared folders are blocked for some reason each computer is assigned an ip address from the routers port forwarding or something, it's not a connection problem though its some type of security that he has but i disabled his internet security, and his firewall and its sill not letting me in. only PCAnywhere works.