Win 7 fails to connect to networks after the passage...

Hi all,

I've got a dell studio xps 1350 laptop running win 7 ultimate. At home, I have a Verizon wireless modem that connects my simple home network together (not domain, just work group), which has three other XP machines /and a lap top connected to. I have no problem with the xp machines, as they can all access the internet and each other and even the windows 7 laptop.

My Win 7 Laptop, however, now refuses to connect to any of the other xp machines (except for the xp laptop); although, it can still access the internet.

The strange thing is that it was able to connect with the all of the other xp machines for about one month before this problem happened. And there was no apparent reason for it happening--i.e., I did not install any new software, or do anything.... it just now refuses to connect--even though it sees the other XP machines.

And the other strange this is that now it refuses to connect to my office network server, which it was before.

About two months ago, this exact same problem occurred, and I fixed it by wiping the c drive and re-installing windows 7.

I've tried all the limited tricks I know to fix this:
1.) turned off the windows firewall, UAC, defender, bonjour softward, and ESETs AV and firewall.

2.) I've tried using both the Cat 5 cable, as well as the usual wireless connection.


I can't bare to wipe and re-install Win 7 again, and can't figure this out.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks so much in advance.

Doug G.