Lost network connection to a Set Top Box

Question

Hello Everyone,

I have a problem with the connection between my Desktop PC (Windows 10) and a set top box linked to my TV both of which connect to the internet via the house broadband modem.

I have had the ‘Fetch TV’ box for several years and despite reading online that it was not possible to connect the PC and the STB I did manage it, somehow!  Unfortunately I don’t know or remember how I did it, but it has been reliable for a long time and now, following a hiccup in the PC internet access, this connection is missing.  (My Windows 11 Laptop does still connect so this tells me it should be possible to recreate the network connection.)

The image below shows how I have previously accessed the STB, the laptop still connects and I hope that someone might be able to point me in the right direction.

When trying to resolve my lost internet connection I was told about the ‘Hosts’ file and I suspect this is at the root of the problem.  I was able to restore my internet connection without editing the Hosts file so maybe if I was to follow the instructions I was given earlier I might correct the set top box problem.  I am reluctant to change this though without further advice from this site.

I can find nothing online that helps me recreate the item Network Locations in File Explorer, and I have no idea how to ‘Map a network location’ so would appreciate any suggestions.

With thanks in advance,  RogerBid

*** Moved from Windows / Windows 10 / Internet and connectivity ***

Answer 1

Hello，

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Based on your description, we suggest that you try the following methods to re-establish the connection between your desktop computer (Windows 10) and the TV's set-top box.

Firstly, ensure that your desktop computer and set-top box are connected to the home broadband modem and have a normal network connection. Check all network cables and connections to ensure they are not loose or damaged.

Secondly, on the desktop computer, open the network settings, search for available networks, and try reconnecting to the set-top box. Ensure that you have entered the correct network name and password (if any).

Then, make sure that your desktop computer and set-top box are both on the same LAN so that they can communicate with each other. In Windows 10, you can view and change network sharing settings through the Network and Sharing Center in the Control Panel.

Finally, try mapping the network location so that you can access the network shared folder in File Explorer. You can try the following steps:

Open File Explorer, select the "Computers" tab, and then click "Map Network Drive". Enter the network path of the set-top box and follow the prompts to complete the mapping process.

If none of the above methods can solve your problem, we also recommend that you try contacting Fetch TV support for a solution. Please refer to:

Fetch - Contact us (fetchtv.com.au)

Please Note: This response contains links to third parties, which we provide for convenience of reference, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the validity of any information and content in this link.

If you encounter any difficulties or need further assistance, please feel free to let me know. I will do my best to assist you in resolving the issue

I hope the information above is helpful.

Regards,

Jill Zhou

Answer 2

Hello Jill,

Thank you very much for looking at my problem and for your reply.

Firstly, ensure that your desktop computer and settop box are connected to the home broadband modem and have a normal network connection. Check all network cables and connections to ensure they are not loose or damaged.  Yes, all that is in order and my Win11 laptop connects to the broadband modem so the connection to the outside world is OK.

Secondly, on the desktop computer, open the network settings, search for available networks, and try reconnecting to the settop box. Ensure that you have entered the correct network name and password (if any).  Sorry, I am not sure what you mean here by search for available networks :(

Then, make sure that your desktop computer and settop box are both on the same LAN so that they can communicate with each other.  As the Win 11 laptop still 'sees' the STB and no settings were changed prior to the problem arising I cannot think there is a problem with the LAN.  In Windows 10, you can view and change network sharing settings through the Network and Sharing Center in the Control Panel.   I don't understand anything I see in the Network and Sharing Center so I don't think I can do as you suggest :(  I thought I had found something in the Media Streaming Options but nothing made much sense!

Finally, try mapping the network location so that you can access the network shared folder in File Explorer. You can try the following steps: 

Open File Explorer, select the "Computers" tab, and then click "Map Network Drive". Enter the network path of the set-top box and follow the prompts to complete the mapping process.  I did look at this and tried entering the IP address 192.168.0.11 that shows when I look at the STB on the laptop but this seems not to be the right format for an address.

Thank you for supplying the address for FetchTV Australia, I will have to approach them for assistance,

Sorry I cannot do as you have suggested due to insufficient knowledge!

Thanks again for tasking the trouble to reply, best wishes,

Roger

Answer 3

Hi, its me again!

Would you believe it! I just clicked on File Explorer for no reason except it seemed a good idea, and the connection to the set top box is restored just as if nothing had happened. I had done nothing at all so it is a mystery, but I am more than Happy!!

Thanks again for your interest,

Roger

Answer 4

Hi,

I'm very glad to hear you solved the problem :)

Jill Zhou

Answer 5

Hello Jill, thanks for your note. I'd love to take the credit but I have no idea why it has restored itself. I'd be happy if I knew, I'd hen have half a chance of restoring it if it disappears in the future!

Roger