[ajaybud]

I have a LAN set up and share files across several PCs. When i boot up my Mac and go into Finder, i usually have to wait a few seconds before Finder picks up on the shared files stored on other computers, and lets me access them. However, somtimes it takes more than a few seconds for these files to appear, and somtimes they dont appear at all! I know i am connected to the LAN because the internet is working.. so why cant i always have access to these shared files? Note - i am always logged in as administrator on all computers across the LAN

[retcynm]

One thing to check is to make sure that all of your computers are in the same workgroup. On the Mac this is configured using /Applications/Utilities/Directory Access. After opening Directory Access and entering your password, double-click on "SMB/CIFS" and enter the workgroup name of your choice into the resulting drop-down.

[ajaybud]

thanks for your post.
The workgroup that my PCs (running windows xp) use is called 'Mshome'.
The workgroup that my Mac uses is called 'Workgroup'.
Both these workgroups are part of the same LAN and i can access either workgroup from all machines.
Are you suggesting moving all the machines under the same workgroup?
I am a bit skeptical about moving my Mac into a workgroup called 'Mshome'..