FileBrowser Error: “Can’t find server” (Windows 7 & Windows 8)

If FileBrowser shows a “Can’t find server” or “Couldn’t locate machine” error when connecting to a Windows 7 or Windows 8 PC, it means the computer name you entered could not be resolved or no device on the network responded to the request.

In most cases, the PC is still available — but network discovery or name resolution is not working correctly.

This guide explains the most common causes and how to fix them.

Before you begin

Check these first:

Your Windows PC and iPhone or iPad are on the same network
File and Printer Sharing is enabled on Windows 7/8
The PC is powered on and not asleep
You are using the correct computer name
Windows Firewall allows file sharing connections
Network discovery is enabled on the PC

If these are correct, continue below.

Can’t find server / couldn’t locate machine

If you want to get connected as quickly as possible, use an IP address instead of a network name. You can return to this page later to try the network name once you know that FileBrowser will connect.

Home Environment

In the "Name or URL" field of FileBrowser enter just the computer network name and do not prefix with "HomeGroup", "WorkGroup" etc. If you normally use a UNC path such as
"\\computername\sharename\foldername",
just enter "computername" (without the quotes) into the "Name or URL" field.

Try adding ".local" to the end of the computer name.

Work Environment

In a work environment you may need the DNS name of the target file server in FileBrowser's "Name or URL" field. Your system Administrator will be able to tell you this, but to find out yourself use the following command in a Command Prompt window. The network name of the device to connect to is computer3 in this example.
C:\Users\John Smith>ping computer3 Pinging computer3.stratospherix.com [192.168.1.3] with 32 bytes of data:

In this example "computer3.stratospherix.com" should be entered into the "Name or URL" field.

About FileBrowser

FileBrowser provides reliable access to files stored on Windows PCs, NAS drives, and other network storage devices directly from iPhone and iPad.

Whether you are connecting on a home network, office network, or VPN connection, FileBrowser is designed for fast and secure access to Windows shared folders, SMB network drives, and file servers.