We have a Mac OS X 10.2 and Windows XP Home 2002 sharing an internet
connection on a Motorola cable modem via a Linksys Wireless-G
Broadband router. The two computers have never really been networked,
sometimes they see each other but more often, one of the two can't see
the other.

I am looking for step by step instructions for three tasks:

1) Connect these machines so files can be exchanged. When it has
worked before it was through the Mac "Connect to Server" then the
Dell, MS Home automatically comes up. Now however, it can't be found,
how should this be set up?

2) I also want to remove the nonfunctional "favorite servers" on the
Mac drop down list so the only option is the XP. I don't know where
these ficticious names and IP addresses are coming from, not that it
matters, but I would like them to go away so there is only one simple
connection.

3) Once and for all modify the settings or whatever is neccessary to
be able to start the XP without getting the message "Windows System
Error, A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network"

I have tried several suggestions which work for awhile but it always
slips back into this mode. Does it have something to do with SAMBA?
The XP user accounts?

Thank you.