HomeNetwork Linux PC can't ping WinXP PC.

I have Zone Alarm on the WinXP PC and had turned that off to no avail.  The good news is Zone Alarm would block the incoming request and message the "intrusion" so I know some basic connectivity exists.  

Iptables is not running on my LinuxPC.

In my haste/frustation, I failed to mention that my VPN setup on that box has some form of "hardening" process it invokes.  I tried stopping that service and re-pingin, but again did not work.  I think there are some more advanced settings that require review.  FYI, it's CheckPoint SecuRemote using an RSA token.  

I realized earlier today that I did not try to ping my laptop (another WinXP PC).  The good news: Linux can ping the laptop and vice versa.    Tried adding Linux share to the laptop; it errored out saying network path could not be found, and I have stopped the Linux firewall.  

FYI, The following services are listed under the netwrok connection of the target WinXP PC (i.e. not the laotp).  I use services for lack of better word:  1) Client for Microsoft Network, 2) Check Point SecuRemote,(unchecked at present), 3) File and Printer Sharing for MS Networks, 4) TCP/IP, 5) NWLink NetBIOS, and 6) NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol.

Thanks again for the responses.

Here's more, but first a quick recap.  There are 2 WinXP boxes and 1 Linux box.  The 2nd WinXP box is a laptop conneting via a wireless channel on the LinkSys router.  Filesharing between the 2 XP boxes works.  

1st Issue. Linux PC cannot ping 1st WinXP box.  That PC has a VPN setup that is the probable cause; have not investigated there yet.  Still need ideas.  My last post lists the "services" or properties installed in the LAN connection.  Note Linux PC can ping Laptop.  See next issue.

2nd Issue.  Moving forward to share Laptop(WinXP) to Linux box.  I'm using chapter 35.1 of SAMBA/troubleshooting checklist.  Here are my results
#1--ok--testparm on smb.conf
#2--ok--both laptop & linux pc ping each other by name & IP.
#3--ok--smbclient-L<LINUXBOX> works
#4--ok--nmblookup -B<LINUXBOX  __SAMBA__
#5--fails--nmblookup -B<laptop> '*' returns "name_query failed to find name *".  
      Also tried substituting the laptop's share name for the asterisk and that failed too.
      Also tried #5 w/ the IP address and that failed as well.
     
#6--ok--nmblookup -d 2 '*'.  Of course this only returns a response from the linux box.
#7--fails--smbclient //<LINUXBOX>/users.  This prompts me for password.  The only password on the LINUX PC is root's.    
       Entering that password fails.  Next, I try no password, that fails.  Error message: tree connect failed
       NT_STATUS_ACCESS_DENIED.  
       I also tried smbclient //<LINUXBOX>/users -Uroot%rootpasswd--this fails with same message.
#8--ok--net view \\<LINUXBOX> from laptop works ok.
#9--fails-- net use x: \\<LINUXBOX>\users (from laptop).  First it says, password is invalid; prompts for new user.  
       I've tried both root (w/ rootpasswd) and <username> (from LINUX box) and no passwd.  Both fail and
       error message= System error 5. Access denied.  

I've known that a password may be necessary, but have been a little confused about whether that's a windows password (which do not exist, at present).  Also, I have a username on the linux box but no password, only root does.  

I require further guidance on both issues.    Thanks!

I've been asked to close this up since there's been no recent activity.  

Unfortunately, the win box in question has died an untimely death so this is now moot.  

Please distribute points equally to all or in some equivelently fair manner for those who participated.

Thanks,
-jason

If you want points to be distributed, you should really do that yourself...