Windows 10: Strange network share issue

Hi all,
I've just built a new Windows 10 system which is part of a 3 computer private/wifi LAN (Windows 10 - 64 bit). I had network shares working OK but as of yesterday, one of the computers can no longer access one of the other computers. The 3 computers are a worklaptop, DELL and NEWCOMPUTER. Network shares are working OK EXCEPT from worklaptop to the NEWCOMPUTER. NEWCOMPUTER and DELL can both access network shares on worklaptop and worklaptop can access shares on the DELL. Until yesterday, worklaptop could also access network shares on NEWCOMPUTER. Not sure what changed other than a possible windows update after my initial install.

I've gone through the various threads on getting network shares to work and documented my findings - anyone ideas on what else to try are appreciated.



:)

 

What is this network device?


This is a weird problem I've been seeing in windows for years now (not just windows 10). I've been unable to figure out what it is, but we're not alone in this, I did some research a while back and a lot of other people were seeing it as well.

Some suggest it's a bug in the network stack. Some suggest it's neighbors who are connecting somehow, but not able to use the network. Regardless, it's not an uncommon problem and doesn't seem to be anything worry about. Here's some examples:

Solved Strange phones in network - Windows 10 Forums
Strange phones listed on Network heading

 

Network and sharing

Hi,

We see that you are having issues accessing the shared drive on your network. To assist you further, kindly answer the questions below:

• Have you made any changes to your computer or network prior to this issue?
• What troubleshooting steps have you done so far?

Regards.

 

Network Sharing

Hi Arya,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Provide us additional information to assist you better with this issue:

1. Are you trying to share the wireless network connection from Windows device to phone?
   
2. What is the make and model of the phone?
   
3. Which version of Windows is installed on your device?
   

Refer the article ‘Which version of Windows operating system am I running’
to provide the details.

If you’re referring to sharing the Wireless network connection in Windows 10, I suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below.

1. Press Windows + I key on your keyboard and click on Network & Internet.
   
2. On the network & Internet page, click on ‘Mobile hotspot’.
   
3. ‘Turn On’ Share my Internet connection with other devices under Mobile hotspot.
   
4. The default network name and password will be available under Mobile hotspot.
   
5. Enter the same password on the device which you’re trying to connect and check the status of the issue.
   

If you’re trying to share the internet connection, then refer the article
Use your PC as a mobile hotspot
for more information.

If you’re referring to ‘File sharing’, I suggest you to refer the section ‘How do I troubleshoot sharing and folders’ from the article ‘File
sharing over a network in Windows 10’.

Get back to us for further assistance on this issue. We will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Muralidhar

Microsoft Community Moderator