Windows 7 - Public Networks and Home Group

I am trying to connect to a home group in windows 7; However it says I must set my network to a public network on both computers first. I don't know what I am missing - but I am unable to find where to do this. If anyone can help by providing step by step on how to adjust my home network to 'public' - I am sure it something easy, but I just can't seem to find it.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

Hi L and welcome

You shouldnt have to if it is your homegroup unless you selected public on install.

In anycase it is here.

Kenn J==

It specifically stated I must set both computers to public network; Is there a place in advanced settings to adjust my home network to public? Or do I have to create a new public network? Sorry I am just not getting this for some reason.

How do you change your network type - ie. from home to public?

Control Panel >Network and Sharing Center ... view your active networks ... click on the network description under to the name of your network. This will pop up a Set Network Location box.

Why does your network need to be public for a Homegroup?

Maybe this will make finding and enabling public file sharing a bit easier. I'am not sure why Windows would be requesting that you use this instead of Homegroups.

Thank you, I will try these - I just assumed that I needed to set to public network as I read it in an instruction somewhere while trying to resolve this problem.
Basically I am unable to join my homegroup created on my desktop from my laptop - both running Windows 7 - one is 64 bit and one is 32 bit.
Any other help is appreciated.

Did you write down the Homegroup password when you set up the desktop? The procedure should be automatic as soon as you start up the laptop you should have been offered a chance to type in the Homegroup password.

If you can't get it to work just use the Public file sharing option. Or you can try doing this to get Homegroup working again.> here .