I would like to think I know what I am doing, since I am in the high tech
field, but for the life of me setting up a simple Peer to Peer network at
home is daunting.

I have 4 computers all connected to a hub/switch.  They all see each other
under My Network Places, and usually when I share a folder, I can access it
from another compouter.  It is that Usually that drives me nuts.

All computers have the same user name, same password, and same administrator
rights.

First, this is how I am sharing a folder on any computer:  Right click on
the folder, choose share & security, check both boxes under Network Sharing
and Security and close the dialog box.  The small sharing hand appears.

Question one:  Under my network places, why do shared folders on your local
computer appear in the list?  Since you can access them via Windows
Explorer, I don't see why they would be there (minor question).

From a different computer, under My Network Places, choose Add a Network
Place wizzard, and browse to the folder you just shared.  It usually shows
up as available (sometimes there is a short delay).  Sometimes it does not
show up at all.

Question two:  Why does a shared folder not show up at all?

If it shows up, you can add it to yoru Nework Places and it works as
expected (you can open it, copy files, etc.).  Then the next day, with
nothing changing except maybe the boot order of the machines, you try to
access it under My Network Places and you get an error message that says
"(coputer name)\folder name is not accessible.  You might not have
permission to use this network resource.  Contact the administrator of this
server to see if you have access permisssion.  The network path was not
found".

Questions there:  Why, for the exact same two computers, with nothing
changes, am I some times able to access a shared folder and other times get
the message above? The randomness it what is frustrating.

I am not an network expert, and would appreciate help.  The main issue is
why it works sometimes and not others.

Thanks
Bob Day