file sharing and network discovery settings
By default in a domain both network discovery and file sharing seems to be turned off, now I have a few bits of software that won't work unless both these settings are turned on (can't deploy the software as the vista PC's can't be seen)Now how do I turn these settings on????? I've looked through the various GPO settings but I can't find any settings to achieve what I want. I've even tried setting the PC location in an unattended file when auto deploying via WDS but the settings are over ridden when the PC is joined to a domain, grrrrrrrrrrrr VERY annoying. This is the behaviour I'm seeinghttp://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/cg0906.mspx#ENBBehaviour for the Domain Location TypeWhen a computer running Windows Vista joins an Active Directory domain, it automatically configures the existing network for the Domain location type. After joining the domain, the computer determines that it is on a network of the Domain location type because it can perform a computer-level authentication with a domain controller as part of normal Active Directory operations.The following settings are automatically configured for networks of the Domain network location type: . Windows Firewall is turned on by default and configured by Group Policy settings downloaded from the Active Directory domain . Network discovery is turned off . All forms of file and printer sharing are turned off, including file sharing, printer sharing, public folder sharing, and media sharing does anyone know the registry settings to turn File sharing and network discovery on? Kerry
April 16th, 2007 4:24pm

I am having this exact same issue. I bought a brand new Toshiba Laptop, and tried to connect it to my brand new desktop, and I can get internet, but I cannot turn on filesharing, or network discovery, or any of these options. I have it all set up correctly "I believe" and both of my desktops communicate fine, one Vista, and one XP. Just on this machine, where "Network Discovery" option is in the Network and Sharing center, next to it it says Custom, instead of on or off. When I try to tell it to turn on, it asks for administrator, tell it continue, then it just reverts back to CUSTOM and turns all filesharing, printer sharing, and network discovery off. If anyone can solve this problem, PLEASE help us. This is sooooo annoying.Thanks,BigCharlieB.
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April 20th, 2007 7:54am

It's really simple. This has nothing to do with the domain unless there is a policy set to disable this which I think would be really silly to do so.In the Network and Sharing Center you will see Network Discovery and File Sharing. Simply turn them on!Voilla
April 20th, 2007 8:06pm

I did, It wont turn on, instead of showing ON or OFF like on my Vista Desktop, it shows CUSTOM.Now you can click the arrow, that brings up the "turn off or turn on" option, but it reverts back to custom which is OFF.I spent two hours on the Toshiba tech support line, and they have no idea how to turn this off.They said to contact Microsoft which I did, and they wont support me because this Vista came installed on the laptop, and they said Toshiba will have to support me.I called them back, and they said I need to re-install Windows on all my PC's and start over again.I think they are crazy and there is an option to change this somewhere, I just dont know where, Any help would be awesome,Thanks,BigCharlieB.
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April 21st, 2007 5:37am

Ermmmm it has EVERYTHING to do with a domain. The default behaviour in a domain is for network discovery and file sharing to be turned OFF. Now turning it on might be all well and good if you have a couple of PCs but what if youre deploying hundreds!? Im deploying 60, to start with, and I have a completed automated process, BUT because of this issue I now have to login to each PC JUST to turn on these two settings! VERY ANNOYING we cant get our users to do it as you need elevated privileges for them to do so, which they dont have. And without these two settings many bits of software wont install or wont work correctly. Now if I knew the registry settings I could add them in to an unattended install, write a GPO or add them via a login script. Of Course the easiest thing would have been for MS to have GPO setting already to achieve this.
April 21st, 2007 3:50pm

Hello Kjhoskin I am currently investigating the same issue and would like to find a way to enable these two settings in a GPO.We have approximately 1500 machines to migrate to Vista and don't want to have to mannually set file shareing and network discovery. Where you able to find a solution since your last post?
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May 11th, 2007 11:13pm

Has anyone found a solution for this yet? We also have a lot of PCs to deploy and software not working without this setting.
June 21st, 2007 4:23pm

"Windows Firewall is turned on by default and configured by Group Policy settings downloaded from the Active Directory domain" [Quote from above] Hello, In the context of home networking (as opposed to a domain), I have discovered that the settings in the firewall program can prevent file sharing setting from being changed (to on or off). The firewall setting has to be changed first. I have not had to address the problem f a Vista machine joining a domain, but you might want to tinker first with the Group Policy settings being downloaded to configure the (not jsut Windows)firewall from the Active Directory domain. Check out my blog at http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1683125&SiteID=17 Regards, Sunthar
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June 22nd, 2007 12:54am

i have the same problem but i have no solution yet. Any idea??
June 26th, 2007 9:58pm

Exact same problem here - On our domain network discovery defaults to off in Vista. We too have a program that won't work, because it can't see the Vista machines on the network
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July 13th, 2007 5:15pm

hi, i had same problem turning network/file sharing on, looked on here found nothing so had little go myself,and cracked it on my pc, try this.. Control panel (set to classic view) Administration tools computer management services and applications services find server click it and ensure it is set to automatic,click apply and then start the service(this should start file sharing) I cant be sure of the other which i used, i am sure it was either SSDP Discovery or Remote procedure call(as above settings) this one should allow you to change the network discovery to ON If none of these allow you to do that take a look at the ones in this list disabled, one of them is a sure spot once you read the description of what it does,i spotted it,,hope this helps with your problem Kev
July 17th, 2007 11:21pm

hi, I bought a brand newHP Laptop with Vista, and tried to connect it to myOld desktop with XP, and I can get internet, but I cannot turn on filesharing, or network discovery, or any of these options. Just on this machine, where "Network Discovery" option is in the Network and Sharing center, next to it it says Custom, instead of on or off. But I have on problem at all. I can share file can play game on LAN and even ONline. I can see both ma computer in Network Places. No Offence, but i think u all r focusing wrong. It doesn't matter, the network discovery is "ON" or "CUSTOM". Try this may help u.... case 1: check out ur IP is configured correctly and u r getting ping reply first: ping IP (eg..ping 192.168.1.3) in command prompt type ipconfig to get ip. secong: ping computer_name (eg..ping amdxp) goto control panel-->system properties-->computer name tab. to check out ur computer name... In this case if u r only connecting 2 computers (PC to PC), then one computer musr have default gateway.. eg.. 1st pc config in tcp/ip version 4 ip address: 192.168.1.2 subnet mask: 255:255:255:0 default gateway: 192.168.1.1 2nd pc-> ip address: 192.168.1.3 subnet mask: 255:255:255:0 default gateway: keep this empty u should maintain the Class C here. and u dont need to worry abt same workgroup here... IF u ve more then 2 computers then one of them must have default gateway and most imp.. same workgroup. case 2: Turn OFF Fireware any third party firewall turn it off... After tht go to In Vista to NEtwork in start in XP to Network Places goto View workgroup computers it may take several times to show all pc in the network till then keep refreshing... Note: If u r using router or switch with DHCP on check out tht u only see one private network and if u see one private network as well as one public unspecialied network then click on view anddiagnose it. case 3: Now if none of the above is ur problem and u can see all pc's in the network but cant access it... it showing u tht contact administrator u dont ve access group Privileges bla bla... try this In vista it is simple: In Network and sharing center Turn off password protected sharing and for XP Run gpedit.msc Go to Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies / Security Options Double click on Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console login only Disable this option Also try this Start Regedit Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / SYSTEM / CurrentControlSet / Control / Lsa Change the value of a key called "restrictanonymous" to 0 instead of 1 Don't change "restrictanonymoussam" value. Reboot for share files and folders try this start--> run-->shrpubw.exe or cmd-->shrpubw.exe I hope this information may help ur problem Plz Holla @ me (reply)
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August 10th, 2007 10:47am

hi, I forget to mention one thing... after all this try this if ur probl doesnt resolve then In Network and sharing Center View full map thr can u see full map of ur network connections all the other computers try this in windows explorer type \\computer_name\ and ENTER eg \\amdxp\ even if u cant C computer names in network places, u can still can access them like. I think u should try Vista X64 bit, i ve tried both and conclude tht vista X64 is more stable, reliable and faster then x86. i didnt get any network error thr. YET Best of Luck
August 11th, 2007 9:52am

Hi people, It's just a matter of making the right firewall exceptions. When you go to windows firewall / exeptions tabyou click for example file and printer sharing on. then go to the network and sharing center under Sharing and discovery you will notice the green light is on and it displays on. Uncheck the file and printer sharing in the firewall exceptions and click apply. switch to the network and sharing center and notice the green light is off again. you can do the same for the network discovery. -edit- I see now their is not option for network discovery... bummer. Kind Regards Pascal Slijkerman
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August 16th, 2007 1:31pm

Back again with a complete new view on the windows firewall. Onthe administrative toolssection of your vista machine is a mmc that is called Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. That is almost some kind of isa server :-) Their you can configure much more settings. Their you can also configure the network discovery for the domain, private and public profiles. al these rules can also be configured through GPO on the computer settings\windows settings\security settings\Windows firewall with Advanced security\ Good luck! Kind Regards Pascal Slijkerman
August 16th, 2007 3:02pm

Hi folks, I have run into this issue as well. Have been looking all over the place in Group Policy for this. I saw the various rules on the Vista firewallw/AdvSecurity for Network Discovery. Just wondering if anyone has successfully enabled Network Discovery through Group Policy using these rules, if so could you list which onesyou specifically enabled?
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August 20th, 2007 8:52pm

Hi foks, i'm still strugling to find the right rules. When i have al the rules right on the vista client i made an export. And tried inporting it in the GPO, but some how that doesn't work it look like it crashes during import because not al policies are applied. Let you know when i have the right settings. Kind Regards
August 21st, 2007 10:37am

hi kev. i to was having the same problem " network discovery will not switch on" but i followed you`re instructions and now i can at least turn on net discovery, i will now try to install my lexmark wireless printer and see if vista recognises it . thanks kev for posting you`re fix ,it has helped me heaps. steve
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October 8th, 2007 10:45pm

Glad it helped you a little, although i have decided to go back to xp pro for time being, vista has made me pull all my hair out, i will wait for a year or so before i try again, kev
October 9th, 2007 12:44pm

Thanks, Kev. Had exact same problem. I'll try this when I get back to my PC...glad to find a solution...this has been very frustrating to say the least. I really need to stick it out with Vista and try to get more comfortable with it as soon enough it will be all I use, I'm sure.
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November 20th, 2007 11:37pm

Hey guys, I had the same problem. Here's what I did: 1. Run services.msc 2. Turn on SSDP and UPnP Device Host 3. Go back to Network/Sharing Center and click on "On" on Network Discovery and hit "Apply" 4. This time it should stay "On" thanks to Kev for starting on this line of thought.
June 16th, 2008 8:34pm

Looks like some system services are disabled or not started.Click Start and type Services.msc in the dialog box to open the services snap-in.Then check if the following services are started:--SSDP Discovery--TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper--Computer Browser--ServerIf not, set the startup type to automatic and click start to start the services.I also has a vista ultimate pc and was not able to turn network discovery on. I checked in the services snap-in and found that the SSDP Discovery was not started. With the SSDP Discovery services started, I was able to turn the network discovery on.You should try this.
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July 18th, 2008 12:27pm

Andriy | Digital Support Tech wrote: Looks like some system services are disabled or not started.Click Start and type Services.msc in the dialog box to open the services snap-in.Then check if the following services are started:--SSDP Discovery--TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper--Computer Browser--ServerIf not, set the startup type to automatic and click start to start the services.I also has a vista ultimate pc and was not able to turn network discovery on. I checked in the services snap-in and found that the SSDP Discovery was not started. With the SSDP Discovery services started, I was able to turn the network discovery on. You should try this. Also make sure that DNS Client is also on and on Automatic.
December 5th, 2008 9:08pm

I Try to turn on network discovery or any other settings in the Network and Sharing centerbut they just go back to off immediately.In Vista;1. Access your windows Firewall2. Click "Change Settings"3. Click the "Advanced" Tab4. Click "Restore Defaults"In My case, The above restored the ability to turn on Network Discovery andother settings in the Network and Sharing center.Good Luck.Louis
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December 14th, 2008 8:48am

Jus wanted to say thanks, was looking everywhere and this was the one that worked thanks x
June 20th, 2009 5:36pm

Thanks this work for me.
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July 15th, 2009 6:11am

I did bod things: restore firewall to default, AND change all the settings in the services.msc.I don't know which one made the trick, but it worked.DID I MENTION I AM ON WINDOWS 7?? good luck all!
September 11th, 2009 9:45pm

Thanks, Kev! That was exactly it. Three VMWare installations of Windows Server 2008, all at the same time, and just one of them didn't offer didn't offer a "Sharing" tab in "Properties" on Windows Explorer. Then when I tracked it down to "Network Sharing Center", "Sharing and Discovery", "File sharing" being set to "Custom", I found that the "On" setting wouldn't stick. I was about going nuts.So it all depends on the "Server" service, which had been randomly set to "Disabled" on that one machine. Thanks so much for your post!Rory
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October 2nd, 2009 7:08pm

Andriy | Digital Support Tech wrote: Looks like some system services are disabled or not started. Click Start and type Services.msc in the dialog box to open the services snap-in. Then check if the following services are started: --SSDP Discovery --TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper --Computer Browser --Server If not, set the startup type to automatic and click start to start the services. I also has a vista ultimate pc and was not able to turn network discovery on. I checked in the services snap-in and found that the SSDP Discovery was not started. With the SSDP Discovery services started, I was able to turn the network discovery on. You should try this. The option to enable this is GRAYED out. What do I need to do? Also make sure that DNS Client is also on and on Automatic.
May 14th, 2010 1:36am

I tried to enable SSDP Discovery but its GRAYED OUT.
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May 14th, 2010 1:37am

make sure the following services are running and automatically start up dns client function discovery resource publication ssdp discovery UPnP Device Host
May 31st, 2010 8:26am

By default in a domain both network discovery and file sharing seems to be turned off, now I have a few bits of software that won't work unless both these settings are turned on (can't deploy the software as the vista PC's can't be seen) Now how do I turn these settings on????? I've looked through the various GPO settings but I can't find any settings to achieve what I want. I've even tried setting the PC location in an unattended file when auto deploying via WDS but the settings are over ridden when the PC is joined to a domain, grrrrrrrrrrrr VERY annoying. This is the behaviour I'm seeing http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/cg0906.mspx#ENB Behaviour for the Domain Location Type When a computer running Windows Vista joins an Active Directory domain, it automatically configures the existing network for the Domain location type. After joining the domain, the computer determines that it is on a network of the Domain location type because it can perform a computer-level authentication with a domain controller as part of normal Active Directory operations. The following settings are automatically configured for networks of the Domain network location type: . Windows Firewall is turned on by default and configured by Group Policy settings downloaded from the Active Directory domain . Network discovery is turned off . All forms of file and printer sharing are turned off, including file sharing, printer sharing, public folder sharing, and media sharing does anyone know the registry settings to turn File sharing and network discovery on? Kerry What I have found with the network discovery if it shows custom you need to do the following: >start - Run - Services.msc Now look for SSDP discovery and UPnP. turn there starup type to automatic and then start them. make sure your firewall exceptions are on for network discovery. Turn on network discovery and file sharing again and it will always be on and not custom...
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October 8th, 2010 8:49am

UPnP Device Host service must be changed from Disabled to Manual. It does not need to be started. Network discover will now be set to "Turn on network discoverty" in Advanced Sharing Settings. There may be other services I have enabled during troubleshooting as mentioned in other posts. However UPnP was the one I was missing, and definitely shuts off network discovery when disabled, or at least shows as "Turn off network discovery" whether it is running or not. And actually, before I set UPnP Device Host to Manual and network discovery was "off", I could still see all the computers on the network. I remember enabling remote desktop and not being able to connect using the computer name (not sure about IP). I think it was SSDP Discovery that allowed me to do this. This may be required for network discovery also.
March 31st, 2011 1:50pm

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