Which "security packs" are installed? If they are firewall programs and are running along with the Windows XP firewall, start by disabling all firewalls to see if that solves the problem. If it does, use only one firewall and make sure it is configured properly for the network.

Steve

Thx Steve.............I am connected via broadband (Charter Communications) my local cable compay and we access thru a router ...........not sure what else I need to provide you.......Mike

It would be helpful to know what kind of internet connection you have and how the internet access is set up.

Steve

Thx again Steve............I'm plugging along......I disabled windows xp and allowed my McAfee firewall to continue to run yet this did not improve anything............next step is to try the alternative (disable Mac and enable xp).................still maddening!........Mike :-)