" One way to test samba is to open Windows explorer and use the syntax, now don't flip the slash directions: \\192.168.0.144 "

On XP, password window opens.
Put in root, and as I do not use a password clicked ok and XP altered password window to user BANORA/root.
Leaving password blank click ok and window stays there waiting for password.
Altered user to banora/root and it jumps back to BANORA/root.
Alter user to banora and it jumps back to BANORA/root

"Another way to test samba is to open Internet Explorer and type file://192.168.0.144 Again, do not flip the slash directions "

Same thing happened here as above.

W2K with Firefox did nothing ie no password Window.

I think all the above is happening because neither client, XP and W2K, has been set up as per the RedBook.

Bakunin is probably right re those 129.183 entries.
I must get into SWAT and fix up that configuration file.
The RedBooks say http://banora:901 must be working before setting up the clients.

Perhaps my router settings are fouling this up ?

Anyway I have altered that many files and settings in AIX5.2 am going to wipe it out and start again with the IBM Samba 2.2.7-4 which is a later version than the Bull one I was using.
Uninstalled Bull Samba in smit, but all the old bull ( pardon the pun ) I put in the various files was not deleted. hence the reinstall of AIX 5.2.

A new leaf, stay tuned.

Have a good trip.