Where Does My Network Disappear to??!!

Just venting a little due to the intermittent nature of this stuff...
This is getting aggravating...why can't I see any other machines on my network view that I have been working with for the last 3 hours?? Even after performing the Windows Cure-All (power down & back up) they don't "see" each other on the network.

I have 2 laptops and 1 desktop that I have networked together through a wireless router. The three machines are all running different Windows OS's, very old desktop runs Windows ME, older laptop runs XP and newer laptop runs Vista. I set this up when I got the newer laptop about 1 year ago.

Given the various OS's and age of the machines, I was shocked when I was able to set it up so that I am usually, mostly and generally able to "see" and pull files to/from each machine from any of the other machines. I don't need to do this very often, and usually for a short period of time to copy a file here or there.

This morning I have been trying to set up Quickbooks on the newer laptop. In doing this I am trying to import .csv files I created on the desktop from the old, old version of QB running there. I was successfully able to see and copy from the desktop to the laptop a few times this morning (the last time about 1 hour ago), but now neither machine can see the other even after restarting and powering down & back up.

aaarrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhhh.

I've been there too. Other than making sure Network Discovery is turned on, and the folders are all Shared, the only thing I can recommend is make sure the different PC's Virus software are playing nice-nice.
You could always use a Thumb or Stick drive to move files too

No suggestion on the network but...

titleist1 wrote:In doing this I am trying to import .csv files I created on the desktop from the old, old version of QB running there.

How old? I think I have 2001 or 02 and it needs Microsoft VM to run. They don't distribute it anymore and I believe it's a bit of a security issue installing it.

I know I had a bit of trouble getting it to run on XP.

The old s/w is Quickbooks 2001 and it is running on the ME desktop, not the XP laptop. I've been trying to get the info over to QB 2009, but because it is so old and I never bothered to upgrade from year to year it is a royal pain.

It decided to re-connect for some reason. I had moved on to another project and happened to go back to the network window on the newer laptop about 1/2 hour ago and the desktop pc was there! I hadn't even refreshed it or bounced it or anything. I quickly copied over the .csv files that I wanted before it disappeared again and imported them into the QB 2009 version.

I realize given the inconsistencies between computers that I should be grateful that they decide to connect however infrequently.

May try to make sure they all use the same WLAN protocol. 802.11b is the most common. Make sure each PC isn't set up to randomly check all possible protocols. Force them to use just one.

If it's wireless, make sure you've change the routers defaults. Too often I get a call where a user can't see the computers on his network only to find he's not on HIS network. If you have a linksys and your neighbor has a linksys and neither of you change the SSID and set up security, there's a change you're connecting to your neighbor's network. Change the SSID to something you know, is unique and probably won't identify you to outsiders. Set up security, WEP if you need to because of old equipment, better to use WPA (TKIP encryption) if you can. See what other channels are in use and pick one not used if you can.

Sneakernet is very reliable...
I try to keep my networks wired for reliability and security...
Master Browser issue comes into play when you lost the list of other computers on your network...
Even more so with mixed os's and wireless...
Powerline is a nice alternative to wireless in the home but you lack mobility on the laptops...
Intuit sunsets support after 3 years to keep the cash flowing...