Cannot access network computers

Windows 7 Home Premium, AT&T DSL, AT&T McAfee Internet Security, wireless network, homegroup, 3 computers, shared printer on desktop.

I just had to reinstall Windows and everything else due to an unfixable problem in Windows. Now my other 2 computers cannot access files or the printer on the desktop. All show in the network and the home group. All have internet access. One of the other 2 can access the other. When I try to access the desktop through homegroups, I get a message asking for the "network password". I don't know if that means the network or the homegroup but neither works. If I try through the network, it says it is "not accessible." Sometimes I get a message saying that "a network printer has been discovered" but it won't install. I've tried everything with the firewall on and off.

I think I recall a similar problem a few years ago and it did involve the McAfee firewall. As I recall, the solution involved building the home group or the network with the firewall off then rebooting one or both computers before turning it back on.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Hi

Can I just check that all the computers are set-up as a 'Home' network and HomeGroup connections within advance sharing settings are set to 'Allow Windows to manage homegroup connections'?

Regards
UKMedia

Yes, it is a "Home" network and "Allow Windows ... " is checked. I finally got them to recognize each other and share by checking "Turn off password protected sharing." I'm still confused about the relationship between my "Network" and my "HomeGroup." Are both necessary?

Hi

Yes they both mean different things. 'Network Type' drives a level of security. Home networks will default to 'Homegroup' as the security handshake between network PC's, Work will normally default to User Names and workgroups.

I only use Password protected sharing with Workgroups and 'work' network types.

Regards
UKMedia

Thanks. I appreciate your input.