Solved WIN 7 NAS + XP-PC not showing

[Gunter]

Hi there,


I am new to this Forum, but not new to computing (on it since the 8086 processor and before).
Recently I ran into a problem (after a move from Trend-Micro to Bitdefender) for which I can not find a solution or work-around, despite several hours of reading.


Maybe somebody knows the matter is addressed already and just points me to the right thread.


However, the issue is:
I am running a private home network (mostly LAN) behind my access point. There are 3x Win7, 1x XP, 1x Mac, 1x Linux + 2x NAS involved (apart from printers).


My current focus is on one Win7 PC which apparently lost it's ability to see the 2x NAS and XP components.


I have deleted and recreated the credentials and managed to map 2 driver letters to the 2x NAS.
These will also reconnect after reboot.


They are all member of the same work-group and SMB is active on the NAS. Everything runs on fix IPs.



Nevertheless they will not show in the IN-Explorer's Network section. Same goes for the XP.


If I enter their NW name in IN-Explorers address line manually ....
e.g.: \\LSD220-2TB\Share00


.... they will also show up in the IN-Explorer's Network section.


If I close the window and reopen it, it's gone again. Needless to say it does not survive a reboot.


Any hint or guidance welcome ....


best regards to all,
Gunter

 

[samuria]

Welcome to the forum. Do you have NetBIOS running on all PC's it's that which lets you see all PC's via name. Windows doesn't look for PC's on the network it asks the master browser for a list. If you can connect via IP it's either NetBIOS or master browser problem it could be blocked by firewall or antivirus

 

[Gunter]

Hi there and thanks 4 the reply,
checking NetBIOS I went through
>> Control Panel >> Network and Sharing Center
>> Local Area Connection <- Left Click
>> Properties
I select ...
>> Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)


and there is no "advanced" button
there is only
"install" "uninstall" (grayedout) and "properties" active

 

[samuria]

If you open a CMD prompt type

Ipconfig /all

It should state at the bottom NetBIOS enabled

 

[Gunter]

Hi Samuria,
did that and both entries:
NetBios over Tcpip (in Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection)
NetBios over Tcpip (in Ethernet adapter VirtualBox Host-Only Network)


both say: enabled



+ since i stumbled across the firewall issue before ....
I added exception rules in bitdefender to the related (fix) IP - addresses
(never had this issue with Trend Micro before...)

before posting 1st.


best regards,
Gunter

 

[Gunter]

Hi Samuria,


hence I concluded it should be a master browser issue. I followed:


How to Determine the Master Browser in a Windows Workgroup | Scottie's Tech.Info


only to find that with >> net view << this PC only sees himself (not even showing the other Laptop as in Win-Exp)
next I follwef:


Master Browser Service broken after Creator update


where I get up to the point of:


4.Run “regedit” to open Registry Editor, navigate to “\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services \Browser\Parameters”, ensure the “MaintainServerList” is set to Yes or Auto

5.In the same location of registry, ensure that at least one computer in each subnet, has the “IsDomainMaster” REG_SZ key set as True.


I manage to achieve / confirm Point 4) but fail to get to step 5) ....
Thanks to your very valuable first hint I believe to have moved into the right direction. However it looks like I am stuck again, since I can not identify what is given above as >> same location of registry, at least one computer in each subnet, "IsDomainMaster" REG_SZ ke set as true <<


Any further advice / hint from your end ??


best regards
Gunter

 

[Gunter]

brute force solved,
thank you SAMURIA indeed,
lesson learned I keep with me