Can I access a HomeGroup through VPN?

[DrLaban]

Alright, so I've figured out how to create a VPN-connection to my Windows 7-box at home. Now, I'm a fan of Libraries and HomeGroups so I'd like to be able to access these resources "as they were meant to" be accessed; just as I do back home.
I've tried to change my network settings on both sides as being Home/Work/Public in all shades but this hasn't helped alot.

I'm using the same credentials for my roaming (laptop) computer as my server (desktop) but clicking HomeGroup doesn't give me anything else than the text saying there is nothing to list.

Looking at my Libraries, I can only access my local folders and none of the added, shared ones from my home network.

If I try accessing my shares through Network, I get an authorization pop-up, where I have to provide username and password. When having done that (this still being the exact same username and password as I logged on to the box with, and the exact same ones as the box at home) I am now able to access Library shares but not the HomeGroup.

I'm thinking and concluding from different articels around here that HomeGroup might be limited to a home-network only (ie, a LAN where every box shares the same connection such as on a common router) but I thought I could become a member of the LAN by using a VPN connection, and as such reach the HomeGroup too. Am I all wrong here?

Now, on the other issue I'm a bit puzzled about; is there a way for me to not having to enter my credentials all over again by navigating through the Network and trying to access a box on the network after I've connected through the VPN? It would make the streamlining of such connections so much nicer.

Thank you in advance, much appreciated!

 

[w880i]

Hi!

I have the same problem.

First of all my setup:

I have several machines running Windows 7 in different Versions. The Main-Machine is a Win7 Ultimate 64bit Setup, all others are Win7 Home Premium.

I connect through a Linksys WRT610N Router with alternative Firmware on it (DD-WRT). I configured a PPTP-Server to use the Built-In Windows VPN Client.

All Machines with Ethernet/WLAN Connection work great with the Windows 7 HomeGruop.

So I connect my Netbook thru Mobile UMTS Connection to the Internet, then I start the Windows PPTP-VPN-Client and connect to my Router. I get a IP Address of my router and I can access to other Network shares etc - but I cannot use the HomeGroup Features.

I just tried to use PPTP-Passthrough on the Router and I even activated IPv6 on the Client Network Setup even on the Router - but It does not help. I can create Network-Shares to other computers like \\Computername\c$ etc but I cannot connect with the HomeGroup - Windows tells me that there is no other HomeGroup.

Any Idea/Help appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Stefan

 

[chev65]

This link talks about using VPN with Homegroups and has some work arounds for the problem. Scroll down to where it says Homegroups.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/53-63-unofficial-issues-listing

 

[w880i]

Thanks, I will try it...