The network map is a graphical view of the computers and devices on your network, showing how they are connected. Sometimes Windows can't detect all of the computers and devices on a network, or can't place all of the computers and devices in the right location on the map. Here are some reasons for network map problems and related solutions.
The computer is running Windows Vista and is connected to a network that is assigned to the "Public place" network location. Windows cannot detect a computer on a network assigned to the "Public place" location. To fix this problem, you can try changing the network location to "Private" or connecting to a network that is assigned to the "Private" network location. For more information about network locations, see Choosing a network location.
When you connect to a network assigned to the "Private" network location, your computer becomes visible to other computers around you, which increases your risk of being exposed to malicious software from the Internet. You should only assign the "Private" network location to networks in places where you know and trust the people and devices on the network, such as your home or workplace. Avoid assigning this network location to networks in public places, such as coffee shops or airports.
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The computer is running Windows Vista and the Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) protocol is disabled on the
network adapter. Windows
uses the LLTD
protocol
to map computers and devices on a network. To enable LLTD, follow these
steps:
1.
Open Network Connections by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, clicking Network and Sharing Center, and then clicking Manage network connections.
2.
Right-click the
network adapter icon, and then click Properties.
3.
Select the
Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper I/O Driver
and
Link-Layer Topology Discovery Responder
check boxes, and then click
OK.
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The computer is running Windows Vista and network discovery is turned off. To turn on network discovery, follow these steps:
1.
Open Network and Sharing Center by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, and then clicking Network and Sharing Center.
2.
If network discovery is off, click the arrow button to expand the section, click Turn on network discovery, and then click Apply. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
The computer is running Windows XP and the LLTD protocol is not installed. Before a computer running Windows XP can be detected and appear on the network map, you need to install the LLTD protocol on that computer. For more information, go to Network Map Does Not Display Computers Running Windows XP on the Microsoft website.
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The computer is running Windows XP and firewall settings are preventing Windows from detecting it. Check the firewall settings and make sure that file and printer sharing are enabled. If you are using Windows Firewall, see Understanding Windows Firewall settings. If you are using another firewall, check the information that came with your firewall.
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The device doesn't support the required protocols for Windows Vista. Check the information that came with the device to see if it has a Windows Vista logo. If the device has the logo, it should appear on the network map. The device or information that came with the device might also have information about the LLTD protocol or the network map.
The computer is running Windows Vista and is connected to a network that is assigned to the "Public place" network location. When a computer is on a network assigned to the “Public place” location, Windows cannot correctly place it on the network map. To fix this problem, you can try changing the network location to "Private" or connecting to a network that is assigned to the "Private" network location. For more information about network locations, see Choosing a network location.
When you connect to a network assigned to the "Private" network location, your computer becomes visible to other computers around you, which increases your risk of being exposed to malicious software from the Internet. You should only assign the "Private" network location to networks in places where you know and trust the people and devices on the network, such as your home or workplace. Avoid assigning this network location to networks in public places, such as coffee shops and airports.
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The computer is running Windows XP and the LLTD protocol is not installed. Before a computer running Windows XP can be detected and placed correctly on the network map, you need to install the Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) protocol on that computer. For more information about how to display computers running Windows XP on the network map, go to Network Map Does Not Display Computers Running Windows XP on the Microsoft website.
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The device doesn't support the required protocols for Windows Vista, which can cause some devices to appear on the network map, but not as you'd expect to see them. For example, a router could be shown as three things: a router, a switch, and an access point. Check the information that came with the device to see if it has a Windows Vista logo. If the device has the logo, it should appear correctly on the network map. The device or information that came with the device might also have information about the LLTD protocol or the network map.
A computer or device on the network restarted during the mapping process. To fix this problem, wait for the computer or device to finish starting up, and then refresh the network map by clicking the Refresh button .
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Your computer is connected to a wireless network and the wireless signal quality is poor or intermittent. To fix this problem, move your computer closer to the wireless router or access point.
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A device on the network, such as a hub or switch, is not working properly or is not compatible with the Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) protocol, which Windows uses to create the map. To fix this problem, disable the device, turn it off, or remove it from your network.
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Responses from other devices on the network are delayed or there is an incompatible router on the network. If responses are delayed, try waiting a few minutes and then refreshing the network map by clicking the Refresh button . If a router is incompatible, try disabling the router, turning it off, or removing it from your network.
Router
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Router
A device that sends, or routes, information between two networks (for example, between a home network and the Internet). Routers find the quickest paths for sending information, which makes network connections faster. Routers can be wired or wireless.
Switch
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Switch
A device used to connect computers on a network. The computers are connected to the switch with cables. A switch is similar to a hub, except that it sends the information received from one computer to the specific computers that are supposed to receive it.
Access point
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Access point
A device used to connect wireless computers and other wireless devices to a wired network.
Device
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Device
Any piece of equipment that can be attached to a network or computer, for example, printers, keyboards, external disk drives, or other peripheral equipment. These devices require special software (device drivers) to work with Windows.
Network adapter
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Network adapter
A device that connects your computer to a network. Sometimes called a network interface card (NIC).
Hub
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Hub
A device used to connect computers on a network. The computers are connected to the hub with cables. The hub sends information received from one computer to all other computers on the network.
Protocol
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Protocol
A standard set of formats and procedures that enable computers to exchange information.
Firewall
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Firewall
Software or hardware that can help protect a computer from hackers or malicious software. A firewall helps prevent malicious software (such as worms) from gaining access to a computer through a network or over the Internet, and helps prevent a computer from sending malicious software to other computers.
Malicious software
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Malicious software
Software designed to deliberately harm your computer. For example, viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are malicious software. Also known as malware.
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