OK...why can't my computers connect to each other?

[bovinda]

My home network seems to be down, and I can't figure out why.

I have two computers connected to a Netgear router, which is connected to a DSL modem. Previously the computers shared files fine. Now when I open up Network Places, only the shared folders for that computer show up, but none for the other. I've had this problem off and on for a couple weeks, but now it seems irreversible.

I have tried restarted both computers, the router, and the modem, but it's not improved. The router shows both devices are attached, at 192.168.0.2 and 192.168.0.4.

How do I go about diagnosing the problem and treating it? Any and all advice is appreciated.

 

[spidey07]

Don't reboot anything for at least 4 hours.

 

[DrGreen2007]

Dont use Network Neighborhood, its not reliable (as you now see)

instead go to start, Run and type in \\OtherPCIP, then press enter and it should give you all the shared folders on that PC.

you can also make a shortcut on your desktop to something like \\OtherPCIP and just double click that

 

[JackMDS]

File Sharing: http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

 

[boethos]

Be sure your are logged, and in the same workgroup. Check IP scheme, subnet masks, and again, be sure you are logged onto the network on the pc's.

 

[mrred]

try connecting by running "//<computer name>"

I've found that often you can still connect using this method despite the stupid "network places" not working

you can find the computer name in system properties (right-click my computer, choose properties) under the Computer Name tab

 

[SocrPlyr]

Check any third party firewalls as well. It isn't always the problem, but the other day I couldn't connect to a PC w/ a network share from a PC that was running an AVG firewall (doesn't make sense to me), but disabling it and reenabling the windows one did the trick for me.
Just another thing to check/try.
Josh