Why Doesn't Desktop Communicate With Laptop? Neither USB or Router.

TomBrooklyn · 18 Oct 2014

Desktop: Homebuilt PC. Windows 7 Pro. Ethernet to Verizon FiOS Router
Laptop: HP Elitebook circa 2009. Windows 7 (how find which kind?). Wireless to same router and/or USB connection.

Why can't I transfer files via USB cable or wireless network? I connected the two computers with a USB cable but they won't communicate. I have a Nexus 7 2013 model tablet and when I connect it via USB I can transfer files to it easily.

The PC seems to be on a workgroup, because the Laptop error says it needs a homegroup connection.

I can't find how to change desktop to a homegroup, or laptop to a workgroup.

Neither computer requires a password to operate individually; and I don't want to establish any password to connect them together.

Barman58 · 18 Oct 2014

To set up communication on your devices

first go the Computer Prperties and make sure the workgroup name is the same on each machine

click on Homegroup in the fiile manager on one machine, (I would suggest the Desktop), and follow the prompts to create a homegroup, (note the password for the homegroup, which is essential but does not mean that you need a password to log on).

When you are set-up and have chosen your shares, go to the laptop and again go to the Homegroup you should see an option to join the homegroup you have created on the desktop, follow the prompts and enter the password you noted earlier and you should be good to go - evertything will be automatic in future and sharing will be available.

Homegroup - Create

TomBrooklyn · 01 Nov 2014

Barman58 said:

click on Homegroup in the fiile manager on one machine[/url]

What is the File Manager? Where can I find it?

Barman58 · 01 Nov 2014

The file manager is the main view you have of you files on your system also called explorer, or file explorer - it is by default the yellow folder icon on the task bar, it's also what you see if you click on the desktop icon for my computer, or any other system or non system folder :)