My home network with an ME box and an XP box.

I have a home network where my ME box successfully pings the XP box,
But the XP box cannot ping the ME BOX.

1. Is this preventing me from sharing files and printers?
2. If so, then I believe that the Me box is not configured properly.

My Me box has the following network components:
Client for Microsoft Networks,
TCP/IP,
and File and print Sharing for Microsoft networks.

I read the previous posts in this newsgroup and still have no luck.
(Posts:
"Connect ME to XP temporarily, Save old settings".