Cannot access network PC

Question

I was able to access network PCs by entering \ComputerName in windows explorer. This was working before until I tried it again a while ago (not sure when it stopped working). The error message is:

"Windows cannot access \ComputerName check the spelling of the name, Otherwise, there might be a problem with your network. To try to identify and resolve network problems, click Diagnose."

When I click Diagnose, it says it cannot identify the problem. But other PCs on the network can still access this computer.

Here are the things I tried:

1. Accessing itself using its own computer name (\MyComputerName)
2. Using ip address instead of computer name
3. Checked that the network adapter's driver is up to date
4. Enabling and disabling network discovery
5. Pinging the computer name and ip address (its own or other PCs) works fine
6. I was able to access the router's console using internet browser. (http://192.168.254.1)
7. I was able to view another PC running IIS using internet browser using both computer name (http://OtherPc) and ip address (192.168.254.100)
8. Disabled firewall (windows firewall, no 3rd party firewall installed). Disabled virusscan.

P.S. Internet connection is working fine. The computer is running on windows 7

Answer 1

Old: You should use 2 slashes in Explorer when looking up the computer name.

You should check the network connection type in windows 7. Enter this in explorer:

Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center

Under your connection you are trying to use to access the PC, check under the name. If it is public network, you will need to change it to work or home.

Answer 2

On the computer you want to connect make sure that in Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center\Advanced sharing settings page that Network discovery and file/printer sharing is turned on for the profile its on (Its possible something in your network changed and now you're set to a public network). This will turn on the services and open the ports. The computer connecting to it doesn't need these enabled, it just needs to be able to see the computer. (Which is can, because you said you can ping it)