Windows 7: Cannot join Homegroup

I have two Windows 7 desktop Pcs, connected via a 4-port router (wired connections).

I can create a Homegroup on both machines, but neither PC can detect the other's Homegroup. So when I try to join the homegroup from either PC I always get the message 'there are no other Homegroups on this network'.



From either computer I also cannot see the other PC listed on the network, even though I have turned on file sharing in advanced sharing options and ensured that the time on both PCs is identical (a Windows troubleshooting 'tip' )

Both PCs have the same account name and the same name on the network - could this be the problem?

P.S. I know all the hardware works fine because I had Vista networked fine on both Pcs.

Yes. Your problem is same name on network. Change one of them.

OK... sorry if this is a dumb question, but how do I change the account name and the PC's name on the network?

Start menu. Right click computer. Choose properties. Towards bottom right, click change settings. Click change.

You don't have to change the account name. If you'd like to though, you can do that from the control panel. User accounts.

It works now - thank you!

I have the same problem on my computer. I have a homegroup on my desktop (name is Den), and Den can see and access the other computers in the network. However, my laptop (name is Norton) can neither create nor join a homegroup. It does see Den but cannot access the system remotely, and it cannot see the two Windows XP Desktop Systems. Both Norton and Den are Windows 7, and Den can see all computers on the network. Could someone please help me?

Homegroup is for win 7 machines only. since you have xp boxes you should be using workgroup. create a new network connection using workgroup to see if it fixes the problem