File sharing problem

ffrree · 27 Mar 2020

I have two PCs on a router at home. They the only thing connected to the router.

I try to share files between the two. Let's call them A and B. Both have been updated to the latest Win Pro 10.

From A, I can see the files shared by B, however, on B I can not see the files shared by A.

Also on A, I can not see the files shares by A on the Network tab in Explorer.

I got B to work once, by changing the WINS setting on its adaptor property, the setting for TCP/IP4, set Netbios setting from default to "Enable Netbios over TCP/IP", then it started to see the shared files on A, which is perfect. However, once I reboot the system, it went back to the same problem. However the setting was still "Enable Netbios over TCP/IP".

So what else can I do?

I tried ipconfig /flushdns etc. to no avail.

dalchina · 27 Mar 2020

Lots of resources and tutorials listed here: you could start by checking your configuration (services, settings) as per the tutorials.
Lets put together a troubleshooting list for Windows networking

Sharing/networking is less than ideal. Sometimes if I boot my other PC, it can take up to 30 mins before it is identified and accessible. Conversely, if I shut one down, the other still displays it even though it's not available.

Also consider whether they are logged in using the same account or not.

Berton · 27 Mar 2020

Rather than share data on computers I use 2 NAS drives connected by Ethernet cable to my Router and store files on them then any computer I map the drives on can access the files as needed. And the drives and Router are running 24/7, usually not much delay in access but Windows may take a bit to read/index the data.

JackHughs · 27 Mar 2020

I've experienced this same problem. I believe that it is related to Windows' use of a "master browser" to manage networks.

Please see this thread: Master Browser Timing.

Turn on both machines. Make sure that neither can go to sleep and wait for a while without making adjustments or changing settings. It may take 30 minutes or more before the both machines are fully aware of each other.

JackHughs

ffrree · 27 Mar 2020

Thanks to you inputs. Then it seems file sharing is really unreliable and requires the computers to be up all the time. It doesn't make a lot of practical sense.

Is there is way to better manage such a small home network, even going to the extent of setting up a "named" network or domain etc? How can I turn one of the computer as a server using Windows 10, and it becomes the Master all the time?

Any suggestions.

Samuria · 27 Mar 2020

All you need to do is use IP not name as that doesn't use NetBIOS you can create a simple CMD file to map a drive

sygnus21 · 27 Mar 2020

OneDrive works like a champ for my needs - drag drop, access, share. Easy

ffrree · 28 Mar 2020

Samuria said:

All you need to do is use IP not name as that doesn't use NetBIOS you can create a simple CMD file to map a drive

Is it possible for you to detail the steps.

1) How to fix the ip address for the computer
2) how to setup the dns or data file that you mentioned.

A big thanks in anticipation.

Samuria · 28 Mar 2020

Details here once you know the cmd works correct simply save as a .cmd file Quick Ways to Map Network Drive on Windows 10 - Info | Remo Software

With only a few pcs from cmd prompt find current ip by typing

iconfig /all

normally it will be 192.68.1.?

simply add 10 to last number and in properties set the IP to static on most routers you can tell the router to always give a certain ip to each pc either method works

speedlever · 28 Mar 2020

Isn't that command: ipconfig/all?