Home network computers aren't shown in Windows Explorer

OK, using a shortcut to the IP address (not the computer address) gets me access, but does not connect the network (e.g. I can read the files, but if a program tries to open a file on the other computer using the computer name it says it is not accessible). So that is not a solution.

I close the lid on each computer when leaving them and the setting is for each to hibernate. It also turns off the modem. When I return I open the lid and press the power button to bring each back from hibernation. I wait for both to boot up completely and for the modem to boot up and try to connect. Failure. The ONLY solution I have found is to restart the one that won’t connect.

So I don’t understand your suggestion.

No, you are confused is the issue.

First, You do not turn off your modem. You leave it on and connected. No wonder why you have problems to begin with.

Next, The computer address is the IP address.

You either connect through the Network folder which uses PC HOST NAME.

EXAMPLE:

JOHNS-PC

Network Folder>>Select Johns PC

and His Public Folder and any other items he manually selected will be shared from there.

But I can almost bet you have the v1803 connection issue.

EXAMPLE:

JOHNS-PC in the Modem has assigned the IP Address 192.168.0.7

You create the shortcut on desktop using \192.168.0.7

when you click on that shortcut

Johns PC will be accessed, but it will show in Network Location

\192.168.0.7

from here you see the same Public folder of JOHNS-PC and any other manual shares.

if you select the public folder, it will show

\192.168.0.7\Public

I also would never use hibernate. I would use sleep.

Here you contradict yourself:

Then you state you could connect to the PC using the IP address But if a program tries to open a file on the other computer using the computer name it says it is not accessible. If you connect using the IP address shortcut, then all items you select on the other PC from there will work. However, only if the items being shared are set up properly to share. Or you will get the "NOT ACCESSIBLE"

You will also get the not accessible message if you have password sharing on and have not entered your user and password when connecting to another PC and then not confirming on the other PC to allow access to it.

If you use to use Homegroup, then you need to learn how to set up sharing using advanced sharing method and setting security, users and permissions.

And what program are you trying to run from PC B on PC A that will not run ???

This is all very easy. If you go read my article, it is drawn out in easy simple steps.

Also, turning your modem off, you are going to have problems. leave it on. If anything, disconnect the LAN cable or wireless connection if you must. I do not see why you need to, the PC's are hibernating, sleeping or OFF.

Here is a Network that has the v1803 issues with PC's being able to be seen or discovered in the network folder, but you can NOT connect to them here.

so you use the shortcut you created with IP ADDRESS as shown here on my network.

You see the 3 PC's by Name, which can not connect that way. Then you see (Left Hand Pane) the one showing the IP address, that is to access FVTRAPPERS PC using the shortcut. I have accessed FVTRAPPERS Public folder

Network>>\192.168.0.7\Public

So, if you are getting IP addresses now automatically again then check if you are now getting always the same IP address for each PC. Login to the router web interface and check what it says. Usually, there is an option to tell the device to always assign the same IP address to the same MAC address. If you cannot assure that anything beyond this point is moot. You have to first be sure that this works.

And don't try to apply advice for different problems to the wrong problem.

Now, if you can assure you get always the same IP address for each PC: What do you want to do after this point exactly? Not just "access the other PC", please.

Don't turn off the modem/router!

Thanks. Firstly, I wouldn't leave my modem on 24/7; that is rather like leaving a light on all the time and is a waste of electricity.

Yes, the modem is now set to get IP addresses automatically. The only way I have been told to set static addresses is by changing the IPv4 settings on each computer. But that then stops me from accessing my mobile phone's hotspot (I need to do that from time to time as my landline is 3Mbs at maximum - the phone is 30Mbs plus!).

You talk of a setting in the modem which will fix static addresses for the various computers (MAC address?). Can you tell me how to do that?

Under Advanced Setup on the modem I have:

LAN, NAT, Security, Parental Control, DNS, UPnP.

Under Wireless WI0 on the modem I have:Basic, Security, MAC Filter, Advanced and Station Info.

Are there any settings I can use so that the modem always uses the same address for each computer? That would surely enable the network to be constant each time I start up?

Most likely the setting you are looking for is in the LAN tab and perhaps in an advanced settings area. It depends on the particular model of modem/router. If you don't have a hard copy of the modem/router's manual you should be able to find it online without too much trouble.

Once you confirm that the modem/router isn't giving a different address to your computers every time you boot the router and computers, you will find your network will be much more stable.

Don't feel too bad, a lot of people (even expert users), make the mistake about setting the individual computers to a static address. And as you have seen that creates much worse problems. I'm glad you got that sorted out.