Winxp Pro computers disappear from Network Places

fr3akd1 · 06-06-2008, 10:33 AM

I have a network of five computers, all windows xp pro, no servers or domains, and all in same workgroup. Static IP (manually configured, not DHCP). When I restart my pc I can see all of them in Network Places, then after about 20 minutes, 3 of them (including mine) disappear. I can ping them, and still access mapped drives but can not see them in network places.

I have checked ipconfig, ran cdiag, and browstat. XP firewall is disabled, I have KIS 7.0 and tried with and without it disabled with same results. The network has run fine for about 2 years, then about 2 weeks ago the PC's start disappearing.

I have checked the browser service, even stopped them and restarted, checked power management, file and print sharing enabled, and for IP address conflicts.

All computers have unique ip's, same subnet, dns, workgroup name, and default gateway.

If you need more info let me know. Thanks in advance for any help.

NeilF · 06-07-2008, 07:28 AM

try reading up on LMHOSTS Files . Hope this helps

fr3akd1 · 06-10-2008, 07:20 AM

I have read up on LMHOSTS and did not see anything corresponding to my issues

NeilF · 06-10-2008, 11:41 AM

the LMHOSTS file tells your computer where to find another computer on a network. The file resides in the Windows directory, and it lists the computer names (NetBIOS ) and IP addresses of machines you access on a regular basis. if you use a LMHOST file it can stop your kind of problem from happening. As it appears you have a name resolution problem

06-06-2008, 10:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
fr3akd1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2 OS: xp pro	Winxp Pro computers disappear from Network Places I have a network of five computers, all windows xp pro, no servers or domains, and all in same workgroup. Static IP (manually configured, not DHCP). When I restart my pc I can see all of them in Network Places, then after about 20 minutes, 3 of them (including mine) disappear. I can ping them, and still access mapped drives but can not see them in network places. I have checked ipconfig, ran cdiag, and browstat. XP firewall is disabled, I have KIS 7.0 and tried with and without it disabled with same results. The network has run fine for about 2 years, then about 2 weeks ago the PC's start disappearing. I have checked the browser service, even stopped them and restarted, checked power management, file and print sharing enabled, and for IP address conflicts. All computers have unique ip's, same subnet, dns, workgroup name, and default gateway. If you need more info let me know. Thanks in advance for any help.

06-07-2008, 07:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
NeilF Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 180 OS: win xp, vista, linux	Re: Winxp Pro computers disappear from Network Places try reading up on LMHOSTS Files . Hope this helps

06-10-2008, 07:20 AM	#3 (permalink)
fr3akd1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2 OS: xp pro	Re: Winxp Pro computers disappear from Network Places I have read up on LMHOSTS and did not see anything corresponding to my issues

06-10-2008, 11:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
NeilF Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 180 OS: win xp, vista, linux	Re: Winxp Pro computers disappear from Network Places the LMHOSTS file tells your computer where to find another computer on a network. The file resides in the Windows directory, and it lists the computer names (NetBIOS ) and IP addresses of machines you access on a regular basis. if you use a LMHOST file it can stop your kind of problem from happening. As it appears you have a name resolution problem