I have 2XPmach on wifi router to the net they dont see each other firewalls are off know ip's get technical

Can either pc see the other one on the network? Check to make sure the workgroup names are the same. You mentioned you couldnt ping each other - have you tried pinging the actual computer name NOT the IP address?

Do NOT turn the firewalls of, set the exception for file and printer sharing instead. Also a network exposure on an unsecured wireless exposes the machines to browsing by ANYONE with a wireless card. Forget all the fancy tools, these are notoriously inept at their job. On any machines you want to join the network right click my computer, select properties and set the computer identification, each machine needs a simple computer name and a simple common workgroup name. The ip addresses should be set to automatic allocation from the router. Then right click any folder or printer you wish to make available and set it shared. You may need to set up common user names and passwords on each machine to allow access.

im pretty sure it came with a cd explanation right?

try to use that

otherwise, i cant help you there because i have a 2wire router. Havent had any problems there.