Windows PC not able to see Mac computers in the Network and Sharing Center

Ok

So looking through and trying it, it works, 100%, using the Run command. But here is the issue, still....

It does not show up under my Network and cannot be searched and found through the Network and Sharing center.

If I use the run prompt, type in the IP address with the correct syntax, it connects perfectly and shows all files on the Mac mini. However, it STILL will not show up on the Network center.....

So, in order to access the files we must go through the run prompt, which then limits the programs we can use it with. For example, our inventory program will allow pictures to be added to the products we carry. In order to add the photo, we must be able to access the file folder through the network and sharing center when it pops up. So therefore we cannot access those folders this way and need to pull everything over to the PC desktop just to use it. It is doable that way, but obviously not the correct fix, but more of a band aid on a problem.

It baffles me that the PC will not see the mac mini where it should, in the network center.

So if you'll read my response above, you will see that we can in fact access the mac mini and all files we have shared if we go through the run prompt like nfilipek shared above. But, like I said it will not show up in the network and sharing center.

Do you think your link and details of the smb enabling/unenabling may be the issue of why it isn't showing up?

This seems to be the trick. However, still always going to wonder why in the world it will not show up in the network center.....

Thank you for your help

Well we really wanted to have all of our file structure on site if you know what I mean. That way if for some reason internet outages occurred, it would not deter our production and access to the files.