Home network storage problem.

[CNYCacher]

Not always.  It'll tell you IP connectivity is available, but won't confirm SMB connectivity.  Windows workgroup/domain networking is a bit decoupled from straight IP.  It runs over IP, but can fail even when you have IP connectivity.  

Chris

Sure but ping does a good job of telling you whether you need to oh, for example,

Replace the network cable.  Plug the network cable into a different port.  Replace the hub/switch.

[mtnbkr]

FTP from a command prompt.

One of the skills that separates geeks from wannabes.   

Pardon me for being to lazy to type out the steps for opening a command prompt. :D

Chris

[CNYCacher]

FTP from a command prompt.

One of the skills that separates geeks from wannabes.   

Wannabe:
$ ncftp ftpserver

Geek:
$ telnet ftpserver 21