Suddenly cannot see other computers in my Workgroup and they can't see me

I have a home network that consists off an XP Desktop, a Vista Desktop, a XP
Notebook and a Vista Tabletpc. They could all see and access each other with
no problem. The Tabletpc and Notebook both are connected by wireless while
the desktops are connected by Cat5.

This morning I went to use the Tabletpc and it cannot see either of the
other computers and they cannot see the Tabletpc., regarless whether I am
connected by wireless or Cat5. However, they can see and access each other
fine. The other three computers can see and access each other fine.

I have tried everything I can think of to get the tabletpc to recongnize
the other computers an vise-versa to no avail.

The last time I used the tabletpc on my home network was about 8 days ago
and it was working fine. That night I was admitted to the hospital for a
week. While there I connected to the hospital's wifi. Not sure if this
changed something or not but other than that I have not downloaded any
software, updates, etc.

I might add that I can access the internet fine through the tabletpc.

Any ideas what may be causing this?

Michael

 

Compare the problematic computer ipconfig /all with other computers. Or post
them here.

--
Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on
http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on
http://www.HowToNetworking.com

 

in network and sharing center make sure the active network is shown as
'Private network', not public network (it should have got set as public when
you connected to the public WIFI, but perhaps is not getting set back to
Private now that you are home.

 

I verified that it is Private and network discovery is on.

Michael

 

Michael,

Logs from "browstat status", "ipconfig /all", "net config server", and "net
config workstation", from each computer, may provide essential clues that lead
to identification of the problem. Read this article, and linked articles, and
follow instructions precisely (download browstat!):
<http://networking.nitecruzr.net/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>
http://networking.nitecruzr.net/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp

 

All IP address in same network? (192.168.1.x for instance).
Could also be a firewall preventing discovery, if you have added updated or
otherwise modified your security software that might be a place to check.

As a magic incantation I have sometime been successful by turning off a
function and then turning it back on. Doesn't cost much to try.

 

I just noted in the Network and Sharing Center under under File Sharing,
there are two options, On or Off. When I select On and then Apply it does
not show as on but as Custom which isn't one of the options. Check of drive
C shows that it is being shared. Could the Custom be part of the problem.
Ipconfig/all on Notebook (which works) and tabletpc (which doesn't) show no
differences other than network card type.

Michael

 

My settings are:
Network discovery - ON
File Sharing - ON
Public folder sharing - ON (Password required)
Printer sharing - ON (Password required)
Password protected sharing - ON
Media sharing - Off

This is pretty much the way Microsoft Recommends for my machine. Other
setups will work of course but may be more interesting.

Sharing the C:\ (root) drive is discouraged. You should consider why you are
doing that! (If you did not do it, then you may have a problem with a
compromised system).

As I understand, Custom can result if some services have been turned off and
also if some firewall setting interfere with the operations.

Michael

 

Michael,

My settings are the same as yours with the exception of always showing
Custon for File Sharing. Any ideas as to what services may be turned off?

Michael

 

Michael,

Got it working fine now. You pointed me in the right direction. Not sure how
or why, but the following services were turned off: Workstation, Remote
Registry, Shell Hardware Detection and Windows Media Player Network. I
enabled them all and can see and access files on all computers now an they
can see and access my files.

Thanks to you and all who offered assistance.

Michael

 

from a google <<"network and sharing center" custom>>

"Network discovery requires that
the dnscache, fdrespub, ssdpsrv, and upnphost services are started, that the
Windows Firewall
exception for network discovery is enabled, and that other
firewalls are not interfering with network discovery. If some but not all of
these are true, the network discovery state will be shown as Custom."

not sure if that also applies to File Sharing

you might open Windows Firewall, change settings, exceptions, make sure
checks are on for File and Printer Sharing. Also consider Advanced tab,
restore button.

Michael

 

glad to see you got it solved, and thanks for feedback for the next person
with a similar problem.