"View Workgroup Computers" is missing from "Network Tasks"

Hi, I’m in need of small help regarding network in my setup. I have two HP laptops and a Desktop connected to the same network. All three systems are running with Windows XP Pro Service Pack 2.

The problem am facing is Laptop #1 and desktop are able to see each other and transfer files to each other but none of them are able to see Laptop #2 though the settings are same on all three systems. When checking Network Places on Laptop #2, under Network Tasks there is no option to see WorkGroup computers.

What is wrong? How can fix this? Please help.

Do you also have Printer sharing enabled on this network? If yes, then the one with the printer has set 'file and print sharing' protocol, and the others have not. That may be the problem. So what you can do here is go to Start > RUN > type the following and press Enter:

HH mk:@MSITStore:%windir%\Help\network.chm::/hnw_ipx_fileandprint_sharingw.htm

See if it helps.