Suddenly Can't see any shared computers

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Suddenly Can't see any shared computers

I work on a network with all PCs, except me. We have a file storage computer that is a linux based machine. I have had absolutely no problems seeing these computers on my "shared" list and accessing the file sharing machine, printing to network printers, accessing the internet and email. Suddenly, I do not have a "shared" list, the network is empty, but I can still connect to the network, access the internet and email, and print to network printers. We operate on a wireless network.

I did a software update last week:

Installed "AirPort Extreme Update 2008-004" (1.0)
Installed "iTunes" (8.0.2)
Installed "Migration and DVD ⁄ CD Sharing Update" (1.1)
Installed "QuickTime H.264 Compatibility Update" (7.5.5)
Installed "Security Update 2008-007" (1.0)

Our Network admin did a routine vista update as well. I don't know if others can see me or if that changed because I have kept my machine closed to the public.

I've tried command-k and put in the file sharing machine address and it just gives "connection failed" does not exist, etc.

All my Mac friends are mystified, including the tech at the local Mac store.

Any ideas out there?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.5), 17"

Posted on Dec 3, 2008 11:57 AM

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Answer 1

nerowolfe

Level 6

13,090 points

Dec 3, 2008 5:12 PM in response to tower_world

What happens if you enter the IP of one of the "invisible" computers in the "Go" menu in Finder?

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Answer 2

tower_world Author

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Dec 4, 2008 10:01 AM in response to nerowolfe

Well, if I enter any IP address into the "Connect to Server" dialog box I get a quick "Connection Failed" window - "The server may not exist or it is not operational at this time. Check the server name or IP address and your network connection and try again"

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Answer 3

Dec 4, 2008 11:59 AM in response to tower_world

I also am having trouble with shared computers on my network. I have two windows pcs that I had access to when i first started my macbook (just got it yesterday) and I now do not see them in finder at all. The weird thing is that I would some times see them and then wouldn't again. I am totally new to the way macs network so i have no idea how to fix this.

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Answer 4

nerowolfe

Level 6

13,090 points

Dec 4, 2008 12:12 PM in response to tower_world

Run network utility.app and see if you can ping one of the machines.
A terminal will do as well
In addition, in Network Preferences, make sure your Subnet Mask is large enough to include the other IP addresses.
Message was edited by: nerowolfe

Message was edited by: Theodore

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Answer 5

tower_world Author

Level 1

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Dec 4, 2008 2:43 PM in response to nerowolfe

Yes, I can successfully ping all of the machines and printers and routers that are on the network. 10 packets sent and received, 0% lost.

I'm not knowledgeable enough to determine if the subnet mask is large enough. It is 255.255.255.0

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Answer 6

satcomer

Level 4

1,539 points

Dec 4, 2008 8:22 PM in response to tower_world

tower_world wrote:
Yes, I can successfully ping all of the machines and printers and routers that are on the network. 10 packets sent and received, 0% lost.

I'm not knowledgeable enough to determine if the subnet mask is large enough. It is 255.255.255.0

Well you could always use the Online IP Subnet Calculator. You have room for 254 hosts.

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Answer 7

tower_world Author

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Dec 8, 2008 12:50 PM in response to satcomer

Ok...That sounds good?

I'm not a network geek or even much experienced at network issues, I understand the concept of the ping. So it seems that my computer is connected to the others, but for some reason they do not appear on my finder as shared items and I can not contact them.

OUr network has a IPCop router, a Wireless router, a linux file server, (2) canon printers, a webcam, and various PC workstations running Vista. I can successfully ping them all, but cannot connect to them.

Who can solve this mystery?

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Answer 8

Dec 8, 2008 1:33 PM in response to tower_world

Don't see it mentioned here, So have you checked, Under Network, Advance button, then WINS, and add or select the Workgroup name?

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Answer 9

Dec 8, 2008 9:51 PM in response to tower_world

no doubt you are doing this already, but when you try to connect to a PC share, you'll need to format the request like this:

smb://192.168.1.1 where the IP address entered is the IP address of the computer you are trying to reach.

Without the smb:// part, Connect To Server assumes you are looking for an afp:// which would be the Apple File Sharing protocol.

As to why the were showing up as shared, and now are not, I'm afraid I don't have an answer.

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Answer 10

tower_world Author

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Dec 9, 2008 11:31 AM in response to Jeffrey Lee

Hey! You're right about that one. That is what was happening and when I use SMB then I can connect. That's a step forward. Now if I can figure out why my "shared" section is missing.....

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Answer 11

Dec 9, 2008 12:19 PM in response to tower_world

Ok This is what I did in trying to fixe my problem and was able to get Windows shares showing back up.

System Preferences, Network.- Location: First choose Duplicate Services of Automatic, then I renamed Automatic to my workgroup name ( although I don't think name is important).

Then chose the Advance button and under TCP/IP changed Configure IPv4 to Using DHCP with manual address. I put in a static address (192.168.1.200) that was out of the range that the router would give out (my router range for DHCP is 192.168.1.5 to 192.168.1.100).

Then clicked WINS and selected my workgroup name, closed the windows and saved... Worked right off the bat in finder!

Don't know the Why's or How Come's but it worked and that is all I needed! Maybe some one could explain?

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Answer 12

tower_world Author

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Dec 10, 2008 9:52 AM in response to Bill Burkhardt

WELL...I tried all of this stuff to no avail. I also tried checking the WINS stuff you described below. I don't know if you meant that for my problem, but there was no way it was letting me choose my work group, it listed none and wouldn't remain if I typed it in. BUT...I went to the Security>Firewall in system prefs and changed the setting to "Allow allincoming connections" and restarted and what-do-you-know, my shared was back! I don't know that I like having opened that up, and it is the only one that will bring the shared back. I do have "Stealth Mode" on in the advanced tab, but I don't know if I am vulnerable to unwanted advances on my computer now. I wonder if this is an Apple security update bug? Or am I just doing things all wrong? Can I set the network as an "essential service" or "specific service"?

Anyway, original problem solved. Thanks to all who tried to help! By the way, I can see my workgroup on the WINS thing now.

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Answer 13

Dec 10, 2008 10:02 AM in response to tower_world

Must be some kind of bug from the Security Update as I didn't have any problems prior to the update.

Good to here that your connected.

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Answer 14

tower_world Author

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Dec 10, 2008 2:51 PM in response to Bill Burkhardt

Yeah, same here, there was a security update as you see in my original post. It was after that when my problem started.

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