Computer names are not recognized

Hello
I have a simple network: one wired desktop and one wireless notebook
I followed recommendations in a nice Pandlouk FAQ “Summary of network rules”,
however my computers don’t see each other by name
I can ping them by IP but not by name
I created 5 rules (for communication between router and two comp.) on each of the computers,
occasionally the last rule for searching other comps on the network is not working

When running the wizard and creating trusted network 2 rules are created and everything
works just fine

Any solution?
Thanks in advance

G’day,

To resolve local computer names, you need to have the names and IPs entered in your local HOSTS files. This file is located in the c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc folder and is called “hosts.” (yes, the dot after the word “hosts” IS important).

To edit this file, click START-RUN and enter

“notepad c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.”

This will open the hosts. file in note pad.

In notepad, enter the name of one of your other computers, press TAB and then enter the IP of that machine. Save the file and you can then ping (or whatever) by name. Once you’re clear on how this works, repeat the above steps and add any other PC details.

Please note that these steps have to be done on all PC you want to address by name. The easiest way is to enter all the details into the hosts. file on one PC and then copy the hosts. file to the other PCs.

Hope this helps,
Ewen :slight_smile: