Troubleshooting Locally Hosted Workstation and Server Connection Issues

If a workstation cannot connect to or communicate with your RGP Server, follow the steps below in order. These checks focus on the most common and required conditions for Rock Gym Pro to function correctly, starting with basic network visibility and moving toward more advanced causes.

Before You Begin: Required Conditions for RGP

Rock Gym Pro relies on standard Windows networking to allow workstations to communicate with the server.

For RGP to function correctly, the server and workstations must be able to see and communicate with each other at the operating system level. If Windows networking is not working correctly, RGP will not be able to connect.

This article focuses on verifying the most common required conditions and configurations. It does not cover full network design or advanced infrastructure troubleshooting.

If the issue is related to Windows networking or network infrastructure, you may need assistance from your IT administrator or network provider.

Quick Checklist: What This Article Will Help You Verify

This article will walk you through checking each of the following common causes of connection issues:

• ✅ Server and workstation are on the same network (not guest or customer WiFi)

• ✅ Network signal is strong and stable

• ✅ Network discovery is turned on

• ✅ File and printer sharing is turned on

• ✅ Network is set to Private, not Public

• ✅ Workstation can see the server in Windows File Explorer under Network

• ✅ Server name or IP address has not changed

• ✅ Firewall or antivirus software is not blocking network communication

• ✅ Windows is fully up to date on both computers

Each item is explained in detail in the sections below.

Consult your IT administrator before making changes below to ensure they align with your security policies.

Step 1: Confirm You Are on the Same Network

Start with the simplest check.

• Verify that the server and workstations are connected to the same router and on the same network.

• Confirm workstations are not connected to a guest or customer WiFi network.

• Guest networks are typically isolated and prevent device-to-device communication.

If the computers are not on the same network, RGP will not be able to connect.

Step 2: Check Network Signal and Connection Type

If using WiFi:

• Confirm the signal strength is strong and stable.

• Check whether the server or workstation is connected using 5 GHz WiFi.

• 5 GHz WiFi has a shorter range and may struggle through walls or distance.

• If available, use 2.4 GHz WiFi or a wired Ethernet connection for improved reliability.

Intermittent or weak connections can prevent consistent server communication.

Step 3: Check the Network Type

Windows networks should typically be set to Private for RGP environments.

After Windows updates, a network may be automatically changed from Private to Public. Public networks are more restrictive and often disable:

• Network discovery

• File and printer sharing

This can cause computers to stop seeing each other even though nothing else has changed.

Public vs Private Networks

• Public network

  • Your PC is hidden from other devices.

  • File and printer sharing is disabled.

• Private network

  • Your PC is discoverable to other devices.

  • File and printer sharing is allowed.

  • Only use this on trusted networks.

Check or Change the Network Type

Consult your IT administrator before making changes to ensure they align with your security policies.

1. In the bottom right corner of your screen, right-click on your internet icon.  It could look like a computer and a plug or like a wifi signal.

2. Click on Network and Internet settings.
   

3. Click Properties.

   

4. Choose Private under Network profile type.
   
    

Step 4: Confirm Network Discovery and File Sharing

This is the most critical prerequisite for RGP.

On both the server and the workstation:

• Network discovery must be turned on.

• File and printer sharing must be turned on.

How to Verify

1. Open Windows File Explorer.

2. Click Network in the left-hand sidebar.

3. From the workstation, look for and attempt to access the server computer.

4. From the server, look for and attempt to access the workstation computer.

Note: If you see a message indicating that "Network discovery and file sharing are turned off.", you can turn it on there by clicking on that banner, as seen below.

If either computer cannot see or access the other, this indicates a Windows or network configuration issue outside of Rock Gym Pro.

Turning on Network Discovery and File Sharing

Consult your IT administrator before making changes to ensure they align with your security policies.

1. In the bottom right corner of your screen, right-click on your internet icon.  It could look like a computer and a plug or like a wifi signal.

2. Click on Network and Internet settings.
   

3. Towards the bottom, click on Advanced network settings.
   

4. Click on Advanced sharing settings.
   

5. Turn Network discovery and File and printer sharing under the network type your facility uses (we suggest Private, see Step 3 above).
   

What This Means

• Network visibility is required for RGP to function.

• If the above doesn't resolve the issue, RGP Support cannot resolve Windows networking or sharing issues.

• You may need to adjust additional Windows settings or consult your IT administrator or network provider.

Step 5: Confirm the Server Name or IP Address

Next, verify how the workstation is configured to connect.

To do so:

1. Search for and open Rock Gym Pro Configure on the workstation computer. 

2. Click Next.
   

3. See what is written in the "Fixed IP Address / Server Name" field.
   

If Connecting by Server Name

• Confirm the server computer name has not changed.

• Verify the workstation can see and resolve the server name on the network.

If Connecting by IP Address

• Confirm the server’s IP address has not changed.

• Check whether the server uses a static or reserved IP.

• Update workstation settings if the IP address has changed.

Step 6: Check Firewall and Antivirus Software

Security software can block network communication even when everything else appears correct. Please consult with your local IT or Network Admin before continuing this test.

Windows Firewall

• Temporarily disable Windows Firewall on the server to test connectivity.

• If this resolves the issue, firewall rules may need adjustment rather than leaving it disabled.

Third-Party Antivirus Software

• Check for antivirus software such as McAfee or Norton.

• Many new computers ship with these pre-installed.

• These programs can silently block network traffic required by RGP.

Temporarily disable or uninstall the antivirus software to test connectivity.

Step 7: Check Windows Updates

Incomplete or outdated Windows updates can break network communication.

On each affected computer:

1. Open the Start menu search bar.

2. Search for Check for updates.

3. Install all available updates.

4. Restart when prompted.

5. Repeat the update check until no additional updates are found.

If the Issue Persists

If none of the steps above resolve the issue:

• Document what has already been checked.

• Note whether the issue affects one workstation or multiple.

• Contact RGP Support with these details so we can assist further.