LAN and DNS not working

[Vyx]

I have recently got a new computer and have windows xp with service pack 1. I am at a lan party and cannot see others computers or see games on the network. I can however connect through ip i.e. (\\192.168.0.1) but not throught computer name (\\override) i am told there is something wrong with the dns and have been trying for about 4 hours to get it to work, i can ping the ip but not see the computer. if anyone has any idea what is going on and how i can fix it could you please tell me this is very important. THX

[Telexen]

Are you set to use the same Workgroup as the rest of them? I've found sometimes XP freaks out if I'm not on the same workgroup as my friends.

[Vyx]

Yes Im on the same workgroup

[SeanC]

Sorry I know this is probably a stupid question but do you have a DNS server there? Is the IP of the DNS server defined on your PC? Do you have a firewall installed (like ZoneAlarm). If so you'll need to specifically tell the firewall software that the network connection is trusted and then ensure that DNS is allowed.

Sean