networking Between Dell and Compaq

Most network interconnectivity problems are caused by improperly configured firewalls.  On any computer running Windows XP with SP1, disable the Windows XP firewall. It will not allow File and Printer Sharing. On computers running Windows XP with SP2, make sure that the Windows XP firewall has File and Printer Sharing checked off on the Exceptions tab. If you are running any third party firewalls, like those provided by such programs as Zone Alarm, Norton Internet Security, or McAfee Security Center, make sure they are configured to allow local network traffic.

Is the printer designated as a shared printer?  Are you absoultely 100% sure that there are no other firewalls running on these computers.  I can't count the number of times that I have gone back and forth on these forums trying to figure a problem like this only to have the person with the problem eventually say something like - Oh, I didn't realize that Norton (or McAfee) had a firewall, as soon as I disabled it, everything worked.  Since most Dell computers now ship with either the Norton or McAfee security software, I am asking you to check one more time. 

Steve

Hi Guys,
I Have tried just about everything that I can think of, other than throwing the machine against a brick wall.
I have even made new Connections, but to no Avail, the printer sharing option is selected at the Firewall, i am just wondering, if the Virus checker AVG has something to do with the non connection.(but thats only on the Host anyway)

As with the Other problem, (The freezing up of the Network Connection), this only happens at the laptop end, so its not the Host Computer Freezing, Would the Different power Supplies to the network Hub make a difference, i am only puting 12v into it, where it can take upto 18v.
The Symptons are: When i am looking at the program, or using the Browser etc, thru the Network, if Left alone for about 1 Minute, the Display Output just stops, until i make movement with mouse, then it seems to catch up, Also noticed that Using options like downloading anything (Thus using the One Internet connection on Dialup thru the Network), every download stops at a certain Level.

Operating System on Host computer Is XP Pro with SP2
operating System on Inspiron is XP Home With XP2
Both have the same Firewall (Install as part of Windows)

As before, there is only one firewall on each of the Systems, No Nortons. The Dell did Come with Nortons Internet Security, but this has been taken off.
The Compaq, is the only one with a Virus Checker (AVG).

The compaq network Adapter info is:
WAN(PPP/Slip) Interface 50.6Kb/s (Dialup)
Realtek RTL81139/810X Family fast Ethernet NIC 100Mb/S

is it possible for the computer to read IE Spec's and Stop anything.
i don't use IE6, Am now using Mozilla on both

Just tried to Turnoff the two firewalls, and tried connecting the printer ,but it still cannot connect

Is the printer designated as a shared printer on the computer to which it is attached?  This is a fundamental question that I have asked before and for which you have not provided an answer.

Normally if there are no firewalls blocking access, if File and Printer Sharing is enabled on the computer to which the printer is attached, if the printer is designated as a shared printer on the computer to which it is attached, and if the computers are in the same workgroup, all other computers running Windows XP will find the shared printer automatically and add it to the Printers folder.  If it does not find the shared printer, you can use the Add Printer dialog box to install it.  

Please explain the steps you have taken to share this printer.

Note that which web browser you use has absolutely no bearing on this problem.

Steve