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Can't see computer on network

I have two Vista machines and one XP machine on a network. They all connected wirelessly to my router. That part works fine. The problem is the Vista machines can't see the XP machine but the XP machine can see the Vista machines. I've tried accessing the XP machine by UNC such as: \\xpmachine\public. Where public is a folder that I've setup for a specific user that the Vista machines can use. When trying to access that folder on a Vista machine, I get this error:

Windows cannot find '\\xpmachine\public'. Check the spelling and try again. The XP machine can ping and see (Explorer) both Vista machines but not vice versa. How can I get the Vista machines talking to the XP machine?

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b0lsc0tt

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brettr

ASKER

Thanks. I saw the XP machine IP was different from what I thought. Somewhere along the line it changed. I was then able to ping it from both Vista machines. On one Vista machine it then showed up in the network. On the other Vista machine, I had to use the technique you mentioned before it showed. So one Vista machine see the XP machine by name and the other by IP.

I have a drive mapped now by IP. The problem there is that once the XP Machine IP changes, that mapping is no more good. Not such a big deal if they can always connect without to much hassle.

b0lsc0tt

I'm glad that helped. I was actually hoping that you would leave this open and another expert could post with a comment about the real cause. I am sure it has to do with the way Vista, by default, handles a network. I remember seeing a new item in the "network components" list that I thought may be related but I can't remember the details now. I haven't had the chance or need to really investigate it yet.

Let me know if you would like to get an answer to the bigger issue and a better, long term solution. You can have this question reopened and I won't mind. I really do appreciate the points and grade and very glad I could help. I just figured I would mention this in case you would rather also find out the bigger problem and fix.

Let me know if you have a question about any of this. Thanks for the fun question, grade and points!

bol

b0lsc0tt

I did find one page (after a quick search) that I think has the solution or is on the right track. If you want me to look more or have a question about it then just let me know.

http://www.home-network-help.com/vista-network-map.html

bol

brettr

ASKER

Thanks. I did try the download but it didn't have any affect.

b0lsc0tt

Bummer. Thanks for letting me know and trying.

bol