<p>I am having a baffling problem where my computers at home can not see each other on my network or file share. The network internet connection works fine and each computer shows that it is connected to the network. Here’s a summary of the system:</p>
<p>Workstation running Windows 7 Home Premium (cable connected to router), laptop running Windows 7 Professional (wireless connection), IMac running OS 10.5.8 (cable connected to router), MacBook Pro w/ OS 10.5.8 (wireless connection), network printer cable connected to router which works fine on all machines (using installation software on each machine to make the connection).</p>
<p>All of the machines and the router have the same workgroup name. On the Windows machines, the network location is “Work” and I have double checked to make sure that the feature for finding networks is on. I have also set the file sharing to on for those folders I want to share and have created a user account on the Windows machines specifically for file sharing. I have also set the Macs for file sharing using the network utilities provided for that purpose in the Mac OS.</p>
<p>When I open the network connections of the Windows machines, they don’t see each other, let alone the Macs. The Macs don’t see each other either. There is nothing in the router settings that appears to be blocking this. Also, there is nothing in the software firewall settings built into each operating system that appears to be blocking. Short of using a hammer and a cold chisel to “fix” the problem, any suggestions?</p>