Lost my network

digitalfailure

digitalfailure

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:help:

I used to be able to transfer files from my laptop to my main pc, but it seems to have lost the ability now.

In my network places i can't see the other machine any more

In simple terms, can someone give me some tips here?

laptop is wirelessly connected to the router
the router is cabled to the main pc

My printer is cabled to the main pc, which means that printing from the laptop needs the main pc to be ON...thats no problem I don't print from the lappy all that often.

The windows wizard is as clear as mud and at points gives the suggestion of using the XP disc........fine except Dell don't ship discs any more, they back up to a hidden partition :(

Any pointers gratefully received
 
1st, try switching router off for 1 min and then back on again, this will reset it.

let me know what happens
 
done that :)

It's totally not there, i'm thinking an update to windows has nuked it at some point, if i'm honest i don't normally use the main pc so the ability to see the laptop from it and vica versa might have been gone for months
 
Have you updated your firewall since you last transfered files? maybe it's settings have been lost/changed. That caused me no end of problems connecting to my networked HDD.
 
You haven't changed the workgroup name on one of them have you?
 
can't remember ever making changes :(

how can you start from scratch with no xp disc?
 
Your a bit vague in the description of the issue.

When you say you can't see the other machine any more is this from the laptop not seeing the pc or from the pc not seeing the laptop or neither machine is seeing the other?

Whilst both machines are connected to the router, either by wireless or by cable, are both machines able to access the internet?

Do you have any firewall software on these machines if so have you made any changes to the settings?

If you go to Start > Run and enter cmd.exe & then hit enter you should have a black window appear. Type on ipconfig/all & hit enter and some data will appear. One of those entries will refer to an IP address and have a number like 192.168.0.2 and also a gateway address of something like 192.168.0.1. Make note of these numbers and repeat on the other machine. The 2nd machine should have a similar IP address to the 1st, e.g. 192.168.0.3, but the gateway address should be the same.

On the 2nd machine, from the same black dos window type in ping followed by the IP address of the 1st machine, using my example that would be ping 192.168.0.2 & hit enter & you should get a reply. If you do, go to the 1st machine and repeat this but using the IP address of the 2nd machine, in my example ping 192.168.0.3. Again you should get a reply.

If you don't ping the gateway address from both machines and see if you get a reply.

Post back your findings.
 
Try changing the workgroup name just in case a glitch has messed things up. Control Panel, System and obviously make sure both desktop and laptop are the same and reboot both machines.

If neither can see each other then I doubt it's a firewall problem unless you've updated both machines.
 
Are the folders still shared?
 
If you only had one shared folder and you deleted it or stopped sharing it then with nothing shared the computer may become invisible. just another possibility :)
 
Both machines can connect to the net

Turning OFF the firewall makes no difference

both machine show the same work group name (brian)
both machines show a shared folder (shared docs lappy) (shared docs tower)

but i cant see one machine when using the other

I'm guessing it's time to rebuild the network from scratch, but as the machines were preinstalled with XP i don't have the disc the wizard asks for
 
You really shouldn't need to rebuild the network when using Windows File Sharing. Have you tried mapping a drive to see if you can see the other computer through that way? Renaming the workgroup name on both and restarting is basically the same as rebuilding the network so to speak and you shouldn't need any discs to do this.

Alternatively, perhaps trying connecting the laptop by cable to the router and if it then works you'll know it's something to do with the wireless connection and possible some form of Firewall/Security feature.

Forgot to add, in the folder options there's an option under the "View" tab that allows simply sharing etc. It's possible if using XP Pro that the security settings are preventing things, you need to specify "Everyone" and full access. It shouldn't prevent your computers from being visible but you never know with Microshi....sorry, Microsoft ;)
 
What does ipconfig/all come up with on each machine (post 7 above)?

Copy what is in the DOS box and paste it here.
 
Did you try to ping each machune as above post by erding?
one you have the IP address (the 192.x.x.x number) you could try the following

from the start menu select RUN

Then in the open box type \\192.x.x.x and press enter

Also Dell often put a copy of all the XP files i a folder call i386 on the c drive of pre installed machines.

Also if you are using Dell's XP pro I may have a copy of thier CD which I could let you have but without a KEY you would use your own (Keeping the licencing legal)
 
On each machine go to Start > Control Panel > System > Computer name & make a note of what is entered for Full Computer name on each machine.

With the Firewall switched off, on the 1st machine goto Start > Search > Computers or People and enter the computer name of the 2nd machine & repeat same on 2nd machine trying to find the 1st computer by name.

Post back with your findings.
 
I've turned the main pc off for tonight before it goes through the window.

I think it's going to be easier to start from scratch and make a new network.
 
digitalfailure said:
I've turned the main pc off for tonight before it goes through the window.

I think it's going to be easier to start from scratch and make a new network.
Click to expand...

I understand your frustration :bang: but from what you have posted since post 7, it looks that the basics of your network is there - both machines are connecting to the internet thereby showing that the network adaptor - either cable or wireless - have their drivers working OK.

What I suggested in post 7 was to establish in the 2 machines were able to talk to each other at the most basic level - ie DOS which works under Windows. If they can't talk to each other at this level but can talk to the internet the problem is usually a Firewall issue.

That issue will still be there if you 'make a new network' as that process does not make any referencing to any Firewall software.
 
I'll try testing that tomorrow night m8, thanks for all your help. :thumbs:

I only wanted to transfer a folder full of pics to the other machine :annoyed:
 
digitalfailure said:
I'll try testing that tomorrow night m8, thanks for all your help. :thumbs:

I only wanted to transfer a folder full of pics to the other machine :annoyed:
Click to expand...

Assuming computers are always going to be simple and reliable is a bit like siging upto do you first pro wedding with nothing but a pocket sized ixus, a little unrealistic.

There is some top advice in this thread if you follow it and post the findings te problem will probably be quickly diagnosed and solved for you.
 
As above if you follow advice you will get it working.. Reinstalling and Starting fresh is likely to lead to more problems for you.

There are certain things that have to be determined to find the problem..

1. Can each PC communicate with the router (tested by pinging the router IP)
2. Can 1 PC communicate with the other (tested by pinging the computer IP or name)
(if they can ping each other they have to be going through the router)

If a ping fails it tells us whether the traffic is blocked and then allows more accurate problems solving.

If you follow post 7 it will take about 5 minutes at the most but will save you getting random advice that is simply guesswork and more targeted advice to the issue you actually have.

So find your router IP, and identify each machine IP
Ping computer 1 from computer 2 and vice versa..
 
leon1p said:
As above if you follow advice you will get it working.. Reinstalling and Starting fresh is likely to lead to more problems for you.
1. Can each PC communicate with the router (tested by pinging the router IP)
Click to expand...

To clarify on this, from information posted by Brian since my original post [no 7] both the laptop and pc are accessing the internet via the router and hence both machines are talking to the router - so this step is already established.
 
You should be able to find and fix the problem with the help you are getting.

However before throwing out the window
How to restore a Dell system with no discs

From Dell:

Perform a PC Restore of the operating system.


NOTICE: To help prevent further complications, it is important to disconnect the system's modem or network cable before starting the restore process.


To perform a restore of the operating using PC Restore, perform the following steps:

NOTE: Dell PC Restore by Symantec is available on Dimension and Inspiron systems that shipped on or after 7/16/2004 in the Americas and 8/30/2004 in Europe.

Power the computer on.
When the Dell screen appears press and hold the <Ctrl> key on the keyboard, press the <F11> key, then release them both at the same time.
The Dell PC Restore by Symantec window appears.
NOTE: Press the keys one time only. If you press them more than once, a keyboard error occurs and the process has to be initiated again.

Click the Restore button or press the <Tab> key to highlight Restore and press the <Enter> key.
A caution message appears advising that all data will be lost.
Click the Confirm button or press the <Tab> key to highlight Confirm and press the <Enter> key.
The Progress window appears. Once the process is begun, Dell PC Restore usually takes only 8 to 10 minutes to complete.
When the restore is complete, the message The system recovery process was successful appears.
Click the Finish button or press the <Tab> key to highlight Finish and press the <Enter> key.
The computer will restart.
 
Try running Network setup wizard from the control panel.
 
Log into your router via your browser with it's ip address, 168.192.0.1 (default for netgear) or whatever the ip address is for the router then goto wireless setup and see if both computers are there, they will have two seperate ip addresses.

If both ip addresses are there the network is ok but windows network setup may need to be re-run.

Check yor laptop network card is ok, if it's an onboard type there will be a green light near the network cable socket on the pc/laptop or ditto on plug in type network card/usb net adapter.
 
I think if it was me, my first step after checking workgroup names were the same, sharing was set on the relevant files, etc and firewall was off, would be to not just do a power off reset of router, I would actually reset to factory default and re-configure. Its a 5-10 minute job and worth it just to make sure no glitches have occured in there. Then follow the pinging instructions given earlier to try and find out where the non-communication level is happening, dos or windows level.
 
As has already been established both the laptop, via wireless, and the pc, via cable, are both accessing the internet via the router, therefore there is absolutely no need reset the router.

The issue is within the configuration of the network/firewall settings of either the laptop or the pc or both, hence the need to resort to pinging as mentioned earlier.

Both machines are already within the same workgroup. Both machines already have shared folders. Both having working network connections as they are both talking to the internet. Therefore there is no need to run the Network setup.
 
Hi thanks for the help with this, I must be a bit thick and am missing something simple :eek:

main pc ip 192.168.0.3
gateway 192.168.01

lappy ip 192.168.0.4
gateway 192.168.01

ping to 192.168.0.4 from 0.3 .....ok at 4ms
ping to 192.168.0.3 from 0.4......ok at 14ms

both machines ping gateway ok

machines are names as briantower and brianlaptop and are both on the same work group as briannet

I'm assuming the folders aren't private because I have a folder called shared docs with a hand under the folder on each machine

I've found that if i click on

network places....view workgroup computers.....I can see icons for both machines on each desktop

but clicking on the tower..from the lappy and vica versa both give a warning box about the network path not being found.

i'm lost there, surely if both the machines can ping each other and they show on the same work group thay can talk. :shrug:
 
Have you tried with the firewalls disabled?

What firewall are you running?

If it is not windows firewall check this has not been turned on.

What op systems are you running?
 
OK, that good

The fact that you can ping between both machines and get a reply to that ping in both cases shows that the 2 machines are able to talk to each other and that the firewal is off on both machines or each is configured to allow access by the other machine.

In an earlier post you referred to the shared folders on each machine to be:

(shared docs lappy) (shared docs tower).

If you go to the laptop go to Start > Run & enter \\192.168.0.3\shared docs lappy & hit enter, are you able to access the shared folder on the pc?

Likewise from the pc if you follow above but enter \\192.168.0.4\shared docs tower & hit enter, what do you get?

Can you also try notes in post 15
 
Thanks :thumbs:

will report back later as i'm checking this thread from my phone at the mo. :)
 
Are both these machines running Win XP or are we looking at different versions of the OS?
What is the router?

What Service pack of windows? Are you using the built in firewall or an aftermarket one like avg or norton?

Are you sharing the folders across the network or just locally?

Do you use the same user ID and password on both machines?

can you start->run-> //192.168.0.3 from both machines?
similarly with .0.4 ?
 
just read further - Its possible that the router's internal firewall is blocking ports on the local network
 
erding said:
As has already been established both the laptop, via wireless, and the pc, via cable, are both accessing the internet via the router, therefore there is absolutely no need reset the router.
Click to expand...

Actually, I would completely beg to differ....the fact that both can talk to the router, both can talk via the router to the internet, but both have simultaneously lost the ability to talk to each other, points to the common factor, the router and its internal conectivity as a first check point. The fact that DF has now done the ping test and that sfine means it probably isn't a router issue, but from his initial symptoms, it was the obvious place to look, especially if you have no idea what a ping test is.

I would also run virus chacks on both machines as a precaution and you havent set up administrator passwords on them by any chance have you? I mean just before this happened, not from the off?
 
the router has it's own firewall and windows is also doing it's stuff.....but the network worked with that configuration before.

LL....yes the admin Password has been set since the last time I transfred files over......but it's set to allow sharing still on both machines.

Who?

start >run>// ip does nothing other than bring up an error sayimg windows can't find it......no **** i can't see it either :bang:
 
If you are on the laptop and go to Start > Search > Computers and enter briantower as the computer to look for & hit enter, what is found?
 
May be a stupid idea, but try turning off the firewalls on both machines and see if that makes any difference.

I've a desktop and lap top that have trouble communicating sometimes. The desktop has XP pro on it and works fine as I have turned off simple file sharing, But communicating from the laptop sometimes gives problems, for no apparent reasons. I suspect it's the damn windows file sharing protocols that are causing the problem.
 
digitalfailure said:
start >run>// ip does nothing other than bring up an error sayimg windows can't find it......no **** i can't see it either :bang:
Click to expand...

Start >run type in cmd and hit enter. A DOS box will open.

Type in the black DOS window ipconfig/all and hit enter.

Copy the text that is generated. To copy text in a DOS window click the little icon top left of the title bar and find edit> 'mark'. Now you can drag over the text to highlight and then copy it.

Paste here.

repeat as necessary ;)
 
digitalfailure said:
start >run>// ip does nothing other than bring up an error sayimg windows can't find it......no **** i can't see it either :bang:
Click to expand...

You should be using \\ not //
 
I hope that I'm not going to confuse things further but when I have network problems I find that running "network diagnostics" in XP "Help and Support" usually provides me with the clue as to where the problem lies.
 
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