What do you receive if using net view \\laptopip from the desktop?

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net 
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com 
 Running cable with wireless router.  Had file sharing enabled and running
 well for a long time.  Suddenly My Newtork Places dissapeared and I tried to
 get it back with just limited success.  Both computers have internet acces
 and I can see both computers on the laptop but only my computer and not the
 laptop on my desktop.  I can see both machines in the laptop.

 I am using Wondows Live One Care which disbales the XP firewall inplace of
 its own.  I have configures it ( at their suggestion ) to allow file sharing
 onthe sunet only.
 I also have run bot network setup wizards without any luck.  I am running
 IE7 FWIW.

 Would very much appreciate any and all help.

One of the most common causes of this problem would be a misconfigured or
overlooked personal firewall, or other security component. There are several
other possibilities too, and any might be the cause of your problem. Read this
article with an open mind.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html

Check for the NetBT setting - make sure that its consistent.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/04/netbios-over-tcpip.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/04/netbios-over-tcpip.html

Or look at "browstat status", "ipconfig /all", "net config server", and "net
config workstation", from each computer, and diagnose the problem.  Read this
article, and linked articles, and follow instructions precisely (download
browstat!):
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#
AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#
AskingForHelp

I discovered some malware this AM.  Removed and now able to see laptop on
workgroup and exchangfe files slowly.  Still cant see computer listed in my
networkplaces though.

Cant get any reposnse other than a flash of a CMD screen from - "browstat
status", "ipconfig /all", "net config server", and "net
config workstation"

Both machines are running MS Live One Care AV and FW.  It disables the XP
firewall and replaces it with its own.  The router has its own as well.

I dumped the issue on MS Live and we will see what happens.  Many thanls for
your replies.