Where does Windows get info for "Network Map"


  1. Posts : 2,036
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #1

    Where does Windows get info for "Network Map"


    I have a small home network with 3 Windows 7 machines. I like to look at the "Network Map" now and then.

    It changes with different routers and it even changes with different firmware on those routers. Last night I turned off "Homegroup" and now Windows cannot see ANY machines on the map. My network "works" fine. I have all computers sharing what I want.

    I am asking "Where does Windows get it's information for the Network Map" so I can get the map working again. I already tried turning "Homegroup" back on, but here's what I get. (left) and what it looked like before (right) (I renamed it but settings are the same)

    Where does Windows get info for "Network Map"-nomap.png Where does Windows get info for "Network Map"-mapofnetwork.png
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #2

    It gets its information by sending out a broadcast and listens for a reply from any supporting systems.
    Link Layer Topology Discovery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,036
    Windows 7 Professional x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks logicearth, that tells me where to start. I don't know where to start diagnosing this. It could be the "mapper" or the "responder"

    It's the same on all network machines, but I still don't know where I would start.

    Funny that my network works fine but this would suddenly become a problem. It may be a prelude to bigger problems is my fear.

    Thanks for the info.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5,840
    Vista Ult64, Win7600
       #4

    I know this might sound stupid but, have you turned off your machine and turned it back on manually ,not Reboot ,
    since you turned off Homegroup, If you haven't try it and see does it help.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2,036
    Windows 7 Professional x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    jfar said:
    I know this might sound stupid but, have you turned off your machine and turned it back on manually ,not Reboot ,
    since you turned off Homegroup, If you haven't try it and see does it help.
    I shut down all one machine. It did nothing.

    I then shut down all machines and turned them all back on manually.

    Windows 7 is now showing the full map.

    Thanksj jfar, it must take a full start-up to re-detect the machines.....
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,840
    Vista Ult64, Win7600
       #6

    Glad it worked.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 29
    Windows 7, XP, 2003
       #7

    Restart; the ultimate Windows feature! LOL

    I do this with about 20% of all daily issues here at work.

    Never knew of the map feature! Cool stuff

    I take it that it wont work for non-7 machines?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 2,127
    Windows XP - Now Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit).
       #8

    This might be of help if related.
    Link Layer Topology Discovery
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #9

    SouthSeaPirate said:
    I take it that it wont work for non-7 machines?
    Works for Windows Vista, and Windows XP SP3, or for those XP Machines that install a hotfix.
      My Computer


 

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