Windows 7 - Trying to network. Both computers Have same name.

As the title states, I'm trying to start a homegroup. I start one up, and being that both of my computers have the same name, they don't see each other.

I've got that part figured out, I just need to rename the laptop!

Woo, that's all fine and dandy, except when I renamed my laptop from Ken-PC (the name shared by both laptop and desktop) to KenLaptop and rebooted, there was a whole slew of problems caused by the namechange. Very long story somewhat shortened, it looked like I was booting up win 95.

Multiple error screens, very retro GUI, all fixed by renaming my laptop Ken-PC again.

I'm just trying to be able to share my files between the two computers! HEEEELP!


I thank you for reading, and at the very least, being able to vent if nobody can help.

I'm for sure no network expert but this great site has many Tutorials that can help you such as this one.
Map Network Drive
Hope this helps. Get back to us and let us know.

well first of all he needs to rename his pc so there wouldnt be two pcs with same name on network.

i did pc rename quite few times and had no such problems. can you please give more information how did you did your pc rename and what was the errors you got after doing rename. print screen images would be helpful or just type error text and step by step way you changed your pc name.

In the OP's first post.
I've got that part figured out, I just need to rename the laptop!
I'm presuming that has been done.

What was the process you used for changing the name? If one properly, I can't see how this would affect the UI.