Solved Computer able to ping by IP and host-name but not visual in browser

[FaneDuru]

We have a network containing 15 computers most of them operating Windows 7. One main router connected to Internet, 3 switches and two routers configured as repeater (LAN connected for Internet - DHCP disabled). The network is Work-group type (named WORKGROUP).

Everything works great except one computer running Windows Professional (64bit) with a wired behavior. It is connected wireless through one of the two repeaters. On that repeater there are other 4 computers which can be seen and accessed in browse window.

That computer is able to see all the other machines in the network in browse window. Only it cannot be seen. But I can access its shared folders or shared printer mapping it by IP and shared path. Net use works for IP and for host-name too. Of course the Network discovery is ON, File and printer sharing is ON and Password protected sharing is Off. Antivirus temporary disable and Firewall disable, too...

I can see the incriminated computer on the Network map (with its IP, host-name and MAC address) but I cannot access it with a simple click like all the others. When press 'Click here to see all other devices' everything appears in browser window except this one...

What is strange is the fact that if I connect it to the main router (also wireless) it can be seen in the browser window... But all the other computers connected to the same repeater can be seen in browse window and accessed by simply clicking.

I can share its special label printer and I can use its shared folders (by mapping) but I would like to understand what the hell is happening with it...:shock:

 

[GokAy]

On the problem PC, see if these services are started:

- Server
- SSDP Discovery
- UPnP Device Host

 

[FaneDuru]

I left the office and I will check those services tomorrow.
But I cannot stop asking myself how this computer is visible connected directly at the main router and not at the repeater. With the same active services...

I will check them. Thanks anyhow!

 

[FaneDuru]

I checked and all three services are started.

 

[GokAy]

Do they get a different IP when connected to the repeaters? Perhaps the network is seen as Public?

 

[FaneDuru]

No. It has fix IP so always the same...
I checked and in both cases the network type is Work in the same workgroup.

 

[GokAy]

Try changing the IP to one of the working PC's? Shutdown that PC first though.

 

[FaneDuru]

Changed IP. The same behavior...

 

[UsernameIssues]

Try changing the IP to one of the working PC's? Shutdown that PC first though.

Changed IP. The same behavior...

Maybe change the computer name too.


I know GokAy mentioned a few services to check, but maybe you should compare each service on the problematic computer to one that works. (Grasping at straws.)

It sure seems odd that it works from the main router - but not the other two.

 

[GokAy]

Yeah, comp name too indeed

Does it show on the other router? Maybe the answer is in the router and not the PC.

 

[FaneDuru]

I exported the services list of the strange computer and filtered it based on stopped services. I did that in order to try a Vlookup between the services on both computers. When I tried to do the same thing on the good (seen) computer I could see the strange one in the network and could connect to its shared folders...
I did not do anything else but changing its IP. Five minutes after this change (computer reboot, router reboot) it used to behave also strange like I described in the initial post.
Now it behaves normally, everybody can see it in the browse window and access its shared folders.

I do not have an explanation for that...
Anyhow Thanks GokAy for that idea of IP changing. Even if I cannot understand how this change solved the problem...
Any idea regarding WHY?

 

[FaneDuru]

Yeah, comp name too indeed

Does it show on the other router? Maybe the answer is in the router and not the PC.

It used not to be seen even from computers connected to the same router. And all the other computer connected to the same router could be seen from all routers...

 

[GokAy]

Did you change the IP to a known working one, or another unassigned IP? Unlikely but maybe you had a duplicate IP? Should have had issues if this was the case though. Maybe listed in Event Viewer.

 

[FaneDuru]

I changed its IP to another unassigned one.
If we would have an IP conflict I think that a message announcing that should be received. Even if only the message was missing how can we explain the fact that it worked well (with the same IP) being connected to the main router?