Two computers won't talk to each other

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Level 1

6 points

Two computers won't talk to each other

We have two Apple computers: an iMac and a MacBook Pro. They're on the same network, an Airport Express (I think it is). Up until last month I've had no problem accessing files on the iMac from the MacBook. But in the past few weeks, I've been unable to access the iMac files from the MacBook. The printer is on the same network, and I can print from both computers with no problems. It's just the two computers aren't on speaking terms. And neither computer shows up on the other computer's Finder sidebar, even though I haven't changed any settings, and they used to show up. Any ideas about what's going on?

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.13

Posted on Feb 17, 2020 10:21 AM

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Answer 1

Jeff Donald

Level 8

45,300 points

Feb 17, 2020 10:48 AM in response to GrammaHobbit

Have you restarted the router?

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

215,846 points

Feb 17, 2020 4:16 PM in response to GrammaHobbit

If restarting the router doesn't help boot each Mac into Safe Mode (Use Safe Mode to isoloate issues with your Mac and Playing Safe: what does Safe Mode do?) and try connecting from there. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 minutes as it's doing some system cache cleaning, volume verifying and directory repairing.

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

215,846 points

Feb 18, 2020 11:15 AM in response to GrammaHobbit

Starting from a turned off computer hold down the Shift key and press the power button. Keep the shift key held down until the progress bar begins to move to the right. It should take you to the login window where you need to enter your user name and password. When fully booted I believe the desktop picture will be the default one for that system.

Also to check to make sure you're in Safe Mode hold down the Option keys and go to the  menu to select System Information. Under Software check the Boot Mode as shown in this screenshot:

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Answer 4

GrammaHobbit Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 17, 2020 9:32 PM in response to Old Toad

I'll try rebooting the router tomorrow. In the meantime, I read the instructions for booting the computer in Safe Mode, and they leave me with one question: What do you do if your computer doesn't chime during the startup? On my laptop, the first thing that happens is that the gray Apple logo shows up. And I'm not on Mute.

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Answer 5

GrammaHobbit Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 18, 2020 8:50 PM in response to Old Toad

Thanks, "Mr. Toad"! I had a busier-than-expected day today, but sometime in the next few days I'll be trying out your suggestions.

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Two computers won't talk to each other

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