[RESOLVED] Find All Computers on a Network

In Vista, when I go to start->network, I have a list of computers that are currently connected to the same access point I am. Even though we are on different workgroups, they still show up. On my campus, someone hosts a website that allows you to search through various computers with open shared files and then download those files. My goal is ultimately to be able to go out, find all computers with shared folders and then catalog these computers, the folders they're sharing and the files contained within. Beyond that I plan on it being a tool that would allow me to download the files from their computers with the click of a button. So basically, it's a helper application. My problem is that since we're on different workgroups, Net View doesn't return anything. I've found a few articles online about it, but none of them work. Is there anyway to get a list of all computers that are VISIBLE to me? Or anyway to get a list like the one used in start->network? For that matter, is there a way to just find computers with shared folders?

Thanks in advance.

This is going to be a quick post.. but i could go on for hours..

The basic method to find Computers on a network is with either direct ping, or broadcasting..

Direct ping : is a Long and tedious method, where by you send a "Are you there" message to every IP address on the network (or every possible IP) .. This can take hours to complete..

Broadcasting : is sending a "Are you there" message to 255.255.255.255 (Resurved addy for broadcasting), and checking each reply to it..

Once i have the reply ip's.. you can start enumerating shared folders and files...

To start you off MS Technet has info here on how to access WINS and NetBIOS data..

Gremmy...

This is in C# but you may find something valuable in it or you could easily convert it.

You may also want to have a look at this, the source is downloadable.

Awesome. Thanks you two.