1. In a small network like yours, use LMHOSTS. Sure, this means manual maintenance but as you mentioned, you can always connect via an address.

2. Make sure the ieee802.1x authentication option is turned OFF (unless you DO have a radius server performing authentication on your home network.) (On the wired desktop this would be on the "Authentication Tab." On wireless (assuming windows is controlling your wireless connecttions this will be under the "View Available Networks"

3. Check the event log. Lets see if the browser service is stopping. If it is, there is a pre SP3 fix available but you have to call MS for it http://support.microsoft.com/kb/889320/ (Note this isn't all that common but I've had it happen to me.)

4. Force one machine (such as the PC with the Printer) to be the master browser. HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\services\browser\Parameters RG_SZ value: IsDomainMaster (set it to True on the PC you wish to always be the Master Browser) This can also make a difference on the intermittent nature of your problem. 5. Other 3rd party software can sometimes cause this (Zone Alarm and the VPN client from cisco are two that come to mind.)

I hope this helps or at least helps tickle other's brains to get you the right solution for your situation.

LT

hmm ... does the VPN client hurt things when it's not running?

VPN impact when not running...no, but there are a lot of people out there who have their client autostart (yes, a lot of security guys still allow split horizon) and forget to mention that they have it running!

haven't played around with the client config on mine too much but I'm reaonsably sure that I can't access anything local at all when it's turned on

So no joy on any of the other suggestions?