Im having a difficult time trying to setup a Homegroup for my network. I have a desktop and a laptop that are both running Win7. I created a homegroup with the desktop and it gave me a password to use on the other computers. When I go into Homegroups from the control panel with the laptop, it doesnt recognize that there already is one created. I have no option to join, only to create. Any ideas?
Hi Tanger and welcome
Two ways you can go. One change from homegroup to workgroup. That utilizes IPv4 instead of IPv6 (IPv6 has issues with connectivity and, slowness, drops with some systems). To change is fairly simple.
The other is to remove both computers form the homegroup. then making sure the anme is the same in both re-create it. You might also want to change the password to something human.
Let us know if you need help with which ever way you want to go
Ken J+
Is it better to have a workgroup instead? if so what must I do?
Hello tanger;
First you can leave and or delete your HomeGroup:
Here is a tutorial on HomeGroup for info: Homegroup - Create
Then go to your workgroup settings and create one workgroup for all your computers:
You may want to disable IPv6. I do not know if you are comfortable doing this, but here is a link to a MS site for you to check out:
How to disable certain Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) components in Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008
Please let us know if we can help you further?
Cheers!
Robert
what are the differences between a workgroup and a homegroup?
Seems like you were asking about how to join the Homegroup.
Homegroup works perfectly for me and I honestly can't think of a reason not to use it.
Just follow this tutorial to join the Homegroup.
Homegroup - Add Computer or Join
Disabling IPv6 will disable the LAN network that runs on IPv6. Homegroups can't work without it. It sometimes helps to turn off password protected sharing along with all the other settings.
I would try the tutorial first.
Hi guys. I hope tanger doesnt mind me joining this thread with a simillar issue.
The same situation here, a desktop and a laptop both w7.
I have a router delivered this morning and happily plugged all the devices in. It offered me to create a network and I chose HOME network on both computers and to share only printers in the homegroup.
Everything works fine (ie. battle.net, skype, steam) without me doing anything which I quite like :) Plus I went through the "Ultimate Router Guide: Optimize Security & Performance" and didnt find anything wrong with my setup.
My question is - did I choose well the type of network, the home one? My virtual machines use a public network to connect...
Thanks
adren
Public or workgroup network is ok but I like the Homegroup and there is no reason not to use it in my opinion.
I believe that part of the problem people are having with the Homegroup, is older router's don't support the IPv6 protocol in which case Homegroup won't connect. Time for many here to upgrade the old router and use Homegroup for networking.
In reality there are zero issues with Homegroup networks in Windows 7 but there are many issues with the equipment being used for networking.
Last edited by chev65; 10 Dec 2009 at 15:15.
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