Can?t access home network from laptop

[ExPat]

Some time ago I had the opportunity to pick up an ex company HP Omnibook 6000 laptop and this came with Win 98 pre-installed. I loaded a few apps and started storing files on the hard disk ? and had always used this as a stand-alone laptop. I have now decided to hook the Omnibook into the home network. The home network consists of 2 desktop PC?s running Win98SE & my daughter?s laptop with XP Pro onboard. I connected the Omnibook to the hub, set all the network variables to be the same as my other PCs (TCP/IP protocol, same subnet Mask, one extra digit on the IP address, sharing the laptop C: drive, share level access control, same Workgroup name as other networked PC?s). From any of the existing PC?s on the network, the Omnibook is visible in the network and I can navigate through the laptop?s C: drive no problem ? but from the laptop, I can?t see any of the other PC?s in the Neighbourhood Network.
I have tried everything I can think of but nothing seems to work ? both the Lan & hub lights show up, I?ve tried different cables, so it?s time for some expert help. In my hunt for a cure, I came across one possible clue that might be significant ? clicking on Passwords in Control Panel, I get a response saying ?password has been disabled by the system administrator?. Is this blocking my access to the network and if so what can I do to fix it, apart from the obvious format ? reinstall option?
Any ideas as to what to do to get this laptop properly connected to the network will be much appreciated?

[ktkendall]

I had same basic setup as you describe and same trouble with win98 Laptop. what I did that fixxed it was to change the logon on the win98 laptop only to client for Microsoft networks and just uncheck log on to NT domain.

[ExPat]

Thanks for your reply - I have just had a look and was prepared to have a play. But the NT Domain is already unchecked and and logon is set to Client for Microsoft Networks. Good try tho' - any other ideas?

I'm in UK so off to bed shortly - but will check in tomorrow nite for any posts and will respond then.

[ktkendall]

Insatall netbeui on all the PC's, and that has been known to fix this problem!

[Floppyman]

This could be a Master Browser issue as well, but try installing the netbeui protocol first to see if that works. If not, we'll go from there. HTH

[Preston]

I second the NETBEUI idea. I had a similar problem, and that was the fix.

[ExPat]

Sorry for the delay in replying - I got caught up in the Christmas cheer and was guilty of over-indulgance.

Guys - you are awesome!!! I have success, the Netbeui installation did the business and the laptop is now a fully fledged participant in the home network.

I am almost too frightened to ask - but why? I have had a stroll through the net, but nothing really explains why the Netbeui protocol works when TCP/IP doesn't. A quick explanation would quench my curiosity - if you can be bothered.

Once again my sincere thanks to you all.

[glc]

I have yet to figure that out too - but NetBEUI is far from dead, contrary to some people's opinions. It requires zero configuration, it just works. I always install it on small networks (less than 10 machines) as a backup to TCP/IP.