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I have 2 PCs.
1 Windows 7/64 bit.
1 Windows Vista.

Both are connected to the same router accessing the public network.
Both can access the Internet.

Problem:
None of the PCs can ping each other.
What am I missing here? Shouldn't it be possible for 1 PC to ping the other?

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2 Answers 2

Reset to default
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You probably have windows firewall on both of them. You need to explicitly allow ICMP echo requests, as the firewall does not by default.

You need to go to Windows Firewall in Control Panel then click on advanced settings in the left pane. The option that needs to be allowed is "File and Printer Sharing (Echo Request - ICMPv4-In)" You might as well enable it for IPv6 while you are in there as well. Picture of the option in Windows 7 (probably similar for vista):

enter image description here

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  • That was it.BTW isn't this risky when the PCs are connected to public network?
    – user65971
    Commented Oct 17, 2011 at 16:35
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    Not really it's just ICMP traffic, basically worst case scenario is someone can find your host as active with an IP scan. We didn't open any ports or anything that would allow intruders access.
    – Supercereal
    Commented Oct 17, 2011 at 16:39
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    Kyle:Hm....Could you please check out this one? superuser.com/questions/347493/…
    – user65971
    Commented Oct 17, 2011 at 16:51
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... "the public network."

  1. Change your network from 'public' to 'private' via a single click within the Network/Share Center on each PC.

That alone will do it; however. consider ditching Windows Firewall for an excellent third-party firewall (a few free ones do exist that are of such quality - even though I'm dying to recommend 2 to you. do your own research - always do your own research). If you stick with Windows Firewall, and insist on keeping your network 'public', then definitely follow Kyle's instructions if you actually do mean ping as in ping or ping as in a word for something else you associate with pinging.

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