refreshing network places

I have a simple home network of 3 windows xp computers. When I start up my laptop it can take from less than a minute to 5-10 minutes for it to show up when I open my network places on the desktop or vice versa. Is there someway to force a refresh or whatever to get them to see each other more quickly.

Have googled and nothing seems to offer a solution.

TIA
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Jeff now retired