PC missing from p2p net

[jerseyguy]

I have set up a few simple peer to peer networks using router/switches to share DSL.

In one case there are 3 PCs, 1-98SE 1-ME 1-XP, and it's worked fine for six months. One day the 98SE disappears from the list of PCs on the network. (It still has access to DSL, but it fails to appear.)

What can I do to bring it back.

The second case is the same except it's 2 PCs, 1-98SE 1-XPpro.

What are the detailed steps to reset these p2p networks so all PCs are listed?

Thanks.

[Greenstead]

This is becoming my standard offering but if you run thro it you might come across the answer to your problem (maybe):
Essentials
- All PCs have TCP/IP installed.
- All PCs have Netbios over TCP/IP enabled.
- All PCs have the same workgroup.
- All PCs have a unique computer name.
- ALL PCs have network shares defined directly under c:.
- ALL NICS are on the same subnet (typically IP 192.168.0.* subnet 255.255.255.0).
- MS Client and file & printer sharing are checked on each NIC.
- All NICs have their node type = anything except peer-peer(check with Ipconfig /all or winipcfg).
- XP's ICF firewall is permanently disabled.
- All 3rd party firewalls are disabled, uninstalled and deleted (until connection is working).

Allow 15 mins after rebooting a PC for that PC to appear in the workgroup, or for it to see all other PCs.