Network, accessing from laptop, my main desktop account is missing

[timmer79]

Command Prompt... Network snip attached

I simply want to be able to share files between my laptop and pc on my home network--both are running windows 7 home premium 32 bit.

First, I ran into the "windows 7 cannot setup a homegroup on this computer" on both computers. It seems some people have been helped by solutions offered here: "Windows cannot set up homegroup on this computer", but I'm among the ones who still can't get homegroups to work. I decided that if I could just share directly via network folders that'd still be ok with me. So unless someone has a pearl of wisdom regarding resolving my homegroup problem, I'll make my question more about what follows.

So, second, I was able to access each of the computers for a day or so from each other via "Network." One thing that was odd was that I when typing in my standard administrator credentials for the *other* computer it wouldn't let me login. I discovered that if I created another user account with admin status that this would let me log into the other computer.

HOWEVER, something has happened. Now, on my laptop, when I go to Network > [Desktop Name] > Users I would normally expect to see my main user account. However, it is missing and the only folders there are "default" and "public."

QUESTION: What do I need to do to fix this?

I've tried everything here: Why are computers missing from the network map? and turning off windows firewall on the home network (it didn't work so it's back on). I, of course, have tried rebooting at the same time and basic things like that. The desktop is wired directly to my 2wire router and my laptop is accessing it wirelessly.

I'm not very techy, just had my fifth baby boy, and simply want to be able to share things like photos between the two computers.

I'm usually one that is able to hunt out solutions, but I'm at the end of my rope and would love to see if anyone here can help me.

Thanks so much!

 

[chev65]

Deleting the file idstore.sst under windows\serviceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Roaming\PeerNetworking fixed it.

Did you try that?

You will need to go into folder options and uncheck the hidden files and folders in order to see that file.

Other than that you should go through this Homegroup trouble shooter.
Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide for Windows 7 HomeGroup Connection Issues

It's also important to remember that just about ANY third party A/V software can and will prevent Homegroups from working as it should. Often times the only way to get Homegroups working is to uninstall completely the A/V software.

 

[timmer79]

Yes, I've tried deleting idstore.sst

Thanks for replying. Yes, that is one of the first fixes I tried in in that first link I mentioned. I, and others, still have the same problem even after trying all the fixes there. I'll read through the article you posted and report back if it fixes the issue.

I've tried disabling the A/V software. In fact, I tried connecting after a fresh installation of Windows 7.

I'm still curious if you or others have any idea why when I go to Network > [Desktop Name] > Users the main user account for the other computer is missing (the only folders there are "default" and "public).

Thanks again for replying! I was beginning to wonder if anyone was up for the challenge. I'm still hoping I can get this issue resolved.

 

[chev65]

Thanks for replying. Yes, that is one of the first fixes I tried in in that first link I mentioned. I, and others, still have the same problem even after trying all the fixes there. I'll read through the article you posted and report back if it fixes the issue.

I've tried disabling the A/V software. In fact, I tried connecting after a fresh installation of Windows 7.

I'm still curious if you or others have any idea why when I go to Network > [Desktop Name] > Users the main user account for the other computer is missing (the only folders there are "default" and "public).

Thanks again for replying! I was beginning to wonder if anyone was up for the challenge. I'm still hoping I can get this issue resolved.

The other Users in the LAN will not show up in the "Share with" list unless you add them as a local account on your machine. This allows you to set up different sharing permissions with specific Users on the LAN.

This doesn't explain why you can't get your Homegroup working.

You will also need a router that supports IPv6, some older models do not support this feature.

Check the guide carefully, those settings are very specific and all of them are required.