Windows 7 - Network Help sudden loss of network

Hi Everyone

Please can someone help me as i going crazy over this problem

I have in the house PS3 - Hp imedia PC (win XP Pro) - Some rubbish pc from the dark ages (Win XP Pro) & new VAIO Laptop (Windows7)

1 Month ago bought a new Sony laptop started up VAIO Media share all worked fine
PS3 found media server and no effort required synced to my home network previously HP to PS3 - Even maped the hp hard drive on the VAIO

Went to stream a video file to the PS3 last week and no media servers found???, Map drive doesn't connect and doesn't find when searching the computers on the Network???

I realise i have prob ticked or accidently checked a box that i shouldn't have, but have spent too many hours trying to find out what and really need someone who knows what their talking about to help me

You wouldnt by chance be running "homegroup" for networking? Homegroup is designed for win 7 machines only. For mixed netwroks you should be running "workgroup". It uses an older more relaible IPv4.

You can check by simply creating a new network connection using workgroup. If it works the you can diable IPv6 and kill homegroup.

Let us know if you need help

Ken

Can you explain to us this:

Router: make/model/version and firware of that router

are you running through any more switchs or hubs????
I can assume you are from england since you used the word "rubbish" in this paragraph???
so I must ask... are you using a mixed Router that connects your internet and acts as a router too? in other countries that is common.

In the states we have it here too but the smart ones go and purchase third party routers. I have already experiance ones from AT&T and was very dissatisfied.

have in the house PS3 - Is this wired or wireless connected to the router?
Hp imedia PC (win XP Pro) - Is this wired or wireless connected to the router?
Some rubbish pc from the dark ages (Win XP Pro) - Is this wired or wireless connected to the router?
new VAIO Laptop (Windows7) - Is this wired or wireless connected to the router?

Especially with streaming media to the PS3 since it does use 10/100/1000 that would be your best option. I would go hardwire. Wireless is too.. ehhh undependtable.

Are you running any of these computers through dynamic IPs or static IPs?