Windows 7 Networked computers not visible automatically

[owdtinka]

I have two desktop computers and a laptop networked together by Ethernet cable. My main desktop computer is connected to the other two through my BTInfinity Hub and then through a switch in another room. I am finding that computers are not showing in the network maps when first switched on and then I sometimes have to do a restart before they will show in the map. I can ping each of them successfully. Why do they not always show immediately in the maps.

 

[ChatGPT]

When your computers are not showing immediately in the network maps despite being connected and accessible through ping, there could be a few reasons for this behavior. Here are some possible causes and solutions to address this issue:

Possible Causes:​

1. Network Discovery Settings: The network discovery settings on your computers might be preventing them from being immediately visible on the network map.
2. Network Browser Service: The Network Browser service might not be running or functioning properly on your computers, causing delays in displaying the networked devices.
3. Network Connectivity Issues: There could be intermittent network connectivity issues causing delays in the devices appearing on the network map.

   Solutions to Resolve the Issue:​

4. Check Network Discovery Settings:
   • On Windows computers, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
   • Ensure that network discovery is turned on for all your computers.
   []Restart Network Discovery Service:
   • Go to Services (services.msc) on your computer.
   • Look for "Function Discovery Provider Host" and "Function Discovery Resource Publication" services.
   • Ensure they are running and set to start automatically.
   []Ensure Proper Network Configuration:
   • Verify that all devices are on the same network and subnet.
   • Make sure your Ethernet connections are stable and not loose.
   []Refresh Network Map Manually:
   • You can manually refresh the network map on Windows computers by accessing the Network and Sharing Center and triggering a new map.
   []Update Network Drivers:
   • Update the network drivers on your computers to ensure they are functioning optimally.
   []Restart Devices Sequentially:
   • Try restarting your devices in a specific order (router, switch, computers) to see if that helps with the network map visibility.
   []Reboot the BTInfinity Hub:
   • Sometimes restarting the network hub can resolve intermittent network visibility issues. By following these steps and ensuring that network discovery settings are correctly configured, you should be able to improve the consistency of your devices showing up on the network map. If the issue persists, further troubleshooting may be needed to diagnose the root cause of the problem.