PC can't see server

[MikeSuede]

Good afternoon all,
For the past week I've been trying to figure out why my Windows 7 PC doesn't see my FreeNAS server. I know I have the CIFS share setup correctly because I have 2 other PCs (1 Windows 7 and 1 Linux), wired in the network that have no problem seeing the share. I've checked the forums and found that a few people have had this problem in the past, but there doesn't seem to be any solutions. The latest threads are from 2012, and I've tried the suggested fixes to no avail. Has anyone had this problem lately, and if so how did you correct the problem? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Jailer]

can you connect directly by typing \\freenas or \\your.freenas.IP.address from an explorer window?

 

[MikeSuede]

Unfortunately no, that was where I started. I get the error message "This webpage is not found".

 

[gpsguy]

Use Windows Explorer, not Internet Explorer.

You might also try: \\ipaddress\sharename in Windows Explorer

ipaddress = ipaddress of FreeNAS server
sharename = CIFS share name you created in FreeNAS

 

[Ericloewe]

The backslashes are important, don't forget them.

 

[MikeSuede]

@gpsguy, This I hadn't come across yet. Thanks. Looks like it got me a half step closer. It took me to a index screen, with [parent directory] under the name column. But when I try to open I get the same message "This webpage is not found". Of course, the one PC that I need to connect to is the one that won't. Lol... Any other ideas?

Also thanks @Ericloewe & @Jailer

 

[Jailer]

I don't think your following what is being suggested here. This error you keep getting is not what is produced if you are trying to connect through windows explorer (thanks for the elaboration gpsguy).

You do NOT use internet explorer to try to connect to your share. You open a windows explorer window, such your "my computer" icon, and type \\freenas into the address bar in that window.

 

[MikeSuede]

@Jailer, You are correct. I've been bouncing back and fourth so much I don't know if I'm coming or going. But, in my Computer I get the Network Error message "Windows cannot access \\IP address\Share name".

 

[Ericloewe]

Antivirus firewall settings?

 

[Jailer]

Are you SURE you have the IP address correct? Other than that I'm out of ideas. Since you've verified that other machines can connect then you've obviously got a windows problem not a freenas problem.

 

[gpsguy]

As Jailer has said, since it works on another Win 7 box, it's not a FreeNAS problem.

Something else to try, go to a command prompt (DOS) and type:

net use o: \\ipaddress\sharename

Assuming o: is a vacant drive letter.

If your Windows and FreeNAS credentials match, it should make the connection. Otherwise, you might be prompted for your FreeNAS username & password.

 

[MikeSuede]

@Jailer, IP adress is correct. @gpsguy, tried command prompt and got the message "The system cannot find the drive specified". Also @Ericloewe, I thought about the Antivirus setting but the other windows 7 PC on the network has the same setting. It looks like you guys are right about it being a windows problem. Guess it's back to the drawing board. Thanks so much for your help!

Mike

 

[rogerh]

Can you connect to any network shares from your Windows PC? Have you got file and printer sharing enabled and the relevant firewall settings? And 'homeshare' not enabled?

 

[MikeSuede]

@rogerh, Can connect to everything except FreeNAS server. Homeshare enabled.

 

[depasseg]

Don't include the sharename. There might be a permissions issue on the share.

Just try: \\ipaddress\ and see if that connects and if so, what folders (shares) are visible.

 

[MikeSuede]

@depasseg, Thanks, I tried that also. But a permission issue would just stop me from being able to create a folder or open, not stop me from seeing the share... right??

 

[depasseg]

Nope. Permissions can affect share visibility as well.

 

[MikeSuede]

Ok, good to know but would a permission issue allow me to see the share on one windows 7 computer and not allow another?

 

[depasseg]

It would if different users were accessing the server from each machine.

 

[MikeSuede]

I haven't created user account for either of the machines yet. I guess I'll have to sit down and the check the setting for each PC to see if anything is different. Thanks for your help @depasseg.