Windows 10: PCs and other devices visible on Verizon router network, but do not appear on File Explorer

I need to be able to transfer files easily between two Windows 10 computers. All the computers and other devices show up on the same mixed Wifi and Ethernet network on my Verizon G1100 router, and have IP addresses assigned, but when I look in File Explorer on either PC I cannot see the other PC (or any of the other devices). I'm sure it's something simple but need help.


Pete Smith

:)

 

Phantom router on network


Recently I've noticed a "phantom" router appearing in my network. The Belkin router is not mine, the Linksys is.

Properties of the Belkin router list serial number, MAC address, model number, model, manufacturer, but no IP address. It only shows up on my desktop, not the Pro 3's or HP laptop's File Explorer under Network.

Desktop is connected to network with a Netgear WNDA3100v3 N600 Dual Band USB Adapter - WPA2-PSK security type. Pro 3 and Laptop connect to network with their internal wireless connections

Haven't noticed any "strange" behavior, or usage, on my machines, but am curious as to why it is appearing in my network.

Also, any suggestions for a program that will scan the network and list all units "attached" to it?

 

Network Devices not Showing with File Explorer


I am hoping that somewhere out there may be able to assist with my problem as I have exhausted countless hours on the various Forums and in tweaking my system with no result to date.
The problem is that on my Home Network (Private) my main PC cannot “see” the other devices on the network. I have two laptops, printer and Samba drive (on my D-Link Router) and the only item that shows up is my own PC.
The other PC running Win 10 pro can see ALL devices on the network.
I can reach the other devices by entering L: \\computername and then access the various drives and documents on the device but my PC will not display them using File Explorer.
Also, I have HomeGroup setup and working OK on both PC’s.
My PC is running Win 10 Home Version 1511 Build 10586.36 64bit along with the MS Office Suite 2013.
The solutions tried without success so far include:
Netsh winsock reset
Netsh int ip reset
Ipconfig/release
Ipconfig/renew
Ipconfig/flushdns
Uninstalled Client for Microsoft Networks then reinstalled
Uninstalled the Adaptor drivers the reinstalled
Checked the registry settings to ensure that the Network Category is correctly set to 1 (Private)
Checked and confirmed that all the required Services are running – these include:

• DHCP Client
• Diagnostic Policy Service
• Diagnostic Service Host
• Diagnostic System Host
• DNS Client
• Peer Networking
• Server

plus a few others that I can’t recall.
Deleted all programs from Programs and Features that are not recognized or not required.
Network discovery and file sharing are both turned on.
When I run the Network trouble shooter it sometimes throws an error message “one or more protocols are missing from this computer” then attempts a fix which usually always fails. The detailed error log refers to win sockets but I have reset them many times with no difference. However, straight after a reboot the automatic fix will work and at results seeing my own PC through File Explorer>Network.
On my other PC (wife’s) when I select - File Explorer>Network I get exactly what is expected, viz:
IBMLaptop (hers)
LenovoZ50 (Mine)
SAMBA1 (attached to my DLink Router)
Epson61477C (Printer)

The TCP/IPv4 setting on both PC’s are exactly the same.
Also, I have another problem that I suspect is related in the “Network ID” button is greyed out and cannot be selected albeit I have confirmed that my network is set to “Private.
I suspect that some other program is making changes to the network setting because very occasionally the File Explorer>Network will display all devices but later reverts to showing either no devices or only the LenovoZ50.
Does anyone out there have any suggestions because I am completely flummoxed.

 

1 router 2 computers 2 networks glitch

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand the inconvenience caused. I will be glad to assist you with this.

When you set up a PC, a HomeGroup is created automatically. If a HomeGroup already exists on your home network, you can join it.

You mentioned that both the computes are in different networks. This could be the reason why you are unable to create the homegroup. Therefore, I would suggest you to first try to add both the PC to a single network and try creating the homegroup again.

Refer the steps given below to add a device or PC to a network and check if it helps.

-Plug the PC into a hub, switch, or router and then turn it on. (If your home has Ethernet wiring and you have a jack in the room where the PC is, you can plug the PC into the Ethernet jack instead.)

To make sure you added the PC, follow these steps:

• 
  Sign in to any PC on the network.
  
• 
  Press Windows key + E to open file explorer and click "network".
  
• 
  Make sure you see icons for the PC you added and for the other PCs and devices that are part of the network.
  

Let us know the result.