Does Homegroups really slow down your network?

[chev65]

That is because Homegroups is only made to work with Windows 7 machines. I can assure you that it works absolutely perfectly and is easy to use. Although I'm only working on the connection problem for now.

This document from Msoft shows you how to down level share using Homegroups with other types of Op systems. Download the .xps document if you want to learn more.
Download details: Windows 7 & HomeGroup: Sharing with Windows XP, Windows Vista, and other operating systems

Hey Chevy65,
We will agree to disagree on Windows Homegroups for now...

I understand that it's easy for folks who don't 'do networking' to get things running.

I have found it to be much faster and easier to not use homegroups.

I like to access what I like to access, not the 'default'.

The encryption ads overhead and can slow file transfers...

I always knew it wasn't for me, but could not quantify the actual reasons...

Then I got this article this AM -
Simple Change In Settings Pumps Up Win7 Networks

It's a good read, and well done!

I fully admit that HomeGroups have their place. Just not sure what that place is at this time!

Sure wonder if it will help connecting an XBox 360!!! I will be reading your article later tonight!

TIA for the Link to HomeGroups! Perhaps it will help me see the light...

Patrick

Ok you have forced my hand so I decided to perform a little experiment of my own.

First I moved a 4.35GB movie file from My Video's on my main machine to another on my LAN with Homegroups enabled and using 128bit encryption. It took only 1:56 seconds. Not exactly the lagging dial up like slow downs the guy in that article mentioned. I suspect his system or his hardware has more to do with his problem than anything else.

After that I changed to 40-56 bit encryption and changed to using User accounts and passwords to connect in the Advanced settings just like the guy in the article described with two simple clicks, you also need to log out and back in again for the change to work.

After delating the file from the secondary machine I then moved the same 4.35GB movie file from the same PC to the other with these different settings. It took 2:05 exactly, so it took 9 seconds longer using the settings that were advised in this link. http://windowssecrets.com/2010/10/14...tworks/#story1

I moved those files using the standard network User files not through Homegroups. As I mentioned before, Homegroups isn't made for moving files, it's made to have your collection of video's, pictures and stuff all in one place rather than having to sort through your different drives to access them all. It also shows large picture icons that make it easier to find what you are looking for. This is very convieniant and quite useful to say the least.

So, I'd have to say that the guy writing that article had other problems besides Homegroups because my experiment seemed to prove the opposite, it was in fact faster using 128bit encryption and the Homegroup settings.

Bottom line is don't believe everything you read, especially if it's just a blog from someone who did a single experiment on one machine.

Comments are welcome

 

[Amapola]

Not late at all Fabe, thanks for the input. I didn't know about the bios overclocking jumper on the XFX boards. I just hate seeing a perfectly good board bashed and tossed aside for no good reason. I'd be willing to bet there isn't anything wrong with his board, it just needs an adjustment or two is all.

I used an XFX 750i mobo for nearly 2 years without a problem, but like chev said, voltages can be a problem. When I upgraded from an E8200 to a Q9550, the PC would keep hardlocking because the voltage needed to be set properly for the Q9550 in BIOS.

Sorry for the OFFTOPIC
Hey, Chev65. I opened a new thread with a similar problem that you had when you built your system. Probably, you can advise me on my issues http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware...d-core-absolute-instability-lockups-help.html

Thank you