Solved One-way file sharing problem between two networked computers

[acfalk]

The Problem: I have a one-way problem on a home network where one desktop (A) easily shares files from its C-drive through the router with the other desktop (B), but not vice versa. In other words, it is easy to access and transfer files from desktop A to B, but not from B to A.
Other facts:
1. Desktops A and B have identical and up-to-date operating systems: Windows 7 64-bit Professional
2. The networking settings for A and B appear to be identical, and both show one another’s hard-drives in the “Computer” display, along with other devices on the home network. Care has been taken under Network Location when mapping each desktop’s hard drive by the other that drive names are unique.
3. Both A and B appear on the home network map, along with all other networked devices. All appears normal.
4. I have applied the network troubleshooters regarding connections to other computers, and it cannot see a problem. I have not been able to find any others in the community with the problem.
What could be the cause of this disparity?
Thanks,
AC Falk

Stans, Switzerland

 

[Shadowjk]

Sharing drives require some changes to NTFS permissions in order for it to be shared properly.

This link should help you with how to share your HDD - http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/92521-hdd-sharing.html#post798310

   Warning

Sharing your C: drive can have major security implications and should only be done if you trust the network and you should not connect the machine to a public network since the share may still be applied

Also, I have requested for your email address to be removed to prevent spam in your inbox

Hope This Helps,
Josh

 

[acfalk]

Dear Shadowjk:
I tried this without success. I am operating both A and B as administrator, and all entries under each C: drive's Properties/Security/Group or user names are identical. These names are Authenticated Users, SYSTEM, Administrators (for either A or B) and Users (A or B/Users). Again, B can access A's files, and make copies as transfers, but not vice versa. Strange. Thanks for the attempt in any case.
AC Falk
Stans, Switzerland

 

[Shadowjk]

You need to add the Everyone permission since peer to peer permissions are linked to the computer itself. Unless you have the exact same username and password on both sides you will only be able to share with everyone.

Josh

 

[acfalk]

Dear Josh,
Still can't resolve this with "Everybody" inserted under Security under Properties of both desktops A and B. Another observation: Actually, A can access B's files, but it is extremely slow in doing so. Like, it takes 2-3 minutes to open a folder on B, and then another 2-3 minutes to open a file. But, B can access a folder in A and then a particular file instantly upon clicking. Don't think it has anything to do with RAM or processor speed as both have Intel Core 2 Quad processors; A has 4 GB RAM and B has 8 GB. The Windows Task Managers on both show no unusual activity while A is trying to access B folders and files.
Any further ideas?
Thanks,
AC Falk

 

[chev65]

Dear Josh,
Still can't resolve this with "Everybody" inserted under Security under Properties of both desktops A and B. Another observation: Actually, A can access B's files, but it is extremely slow in doing so. Like, it takes 2-3 minutes to open a folder on B, and then another 2-3 minutes to open a file. But, B can access a folder in A and then a particular file instantly upon clicking. Don't think it has anything to do with RAM or processor speed as both have Intel Core 2 Quad processors; A has 4 GB RAM and B has 8 GB. The Windows Task Managers on both show no unusual activity while A is trying to access B folders and files.
Any further ideas?
Thanks,
AC Falk

It sounds like you have access but something is partially blocking it, like an anti virus software or third party firewall or something. Have you tried setting up a Homegroup between these two machines?

 

[Shadowjk]

These may be of use,

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/43972-homegroup-add-computer-join.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/43961-homegroup-create.html

Josh

 

[acfalk]

Josh,
Actually, A and B were both on a home network. So, I thought maybe if we disconnected B, and then reconnected it, that would solve the problem. Now, I cannot get B to rejoin the home network where A is. Have tried troubleshooting tool to no avail. I even disconnected my PC Tools Spyware Dr antivirus tool.
AC Falk

 

[Shadowjk]

Sorry, What do you mean by not rejoin the home network? Are you able to ping between each device or are you unable to reconnect to the homegroup?

If it is a homegroup issue then I think chev65 will have better experience than me in helping with you since it isn't a feature that I personally use.

Josh

 

[chev65]

Josh,
Actually, A and B were both on a home network. So, I thought maybe if we disconnected B, and then reconnected it, that would solve the problem. Now, I cannot get B to rejoin the home network where A is. Have tried troubleshooting tool to no avail. I even disconnected my PC Tools Spyware Dr antivirus tool.
AC Falk

The A/v may need to be uninstalled for debugging purposes.

If you were in a Homegroup but can't rejoin there is a way to fix that problem although you should first try leaving the Homegroup on both machines.

 

[acfalk]

Dear Josh,
Sorry. I mis-spoke...or did not select the correct wording. Both A and B are still on the home network, and both WERE in the HomeGroup. But since I thought the problem might be with B's membership in the HomeGroup, I disconnected it from the HomeGroup and tried to rejoin it. For some reason, B is not being allowed to rejoin the HomeGroup. But, both A and B are of course still on the Home Network. But still, from A, I cannot promptly see folders and transfer files to and from B's C-drive from A. But, everything is possible to and from B's C-drive into A's. I think you are probably correct from a couple of messages ago: something in B...maybe a firewall or the like, is preventing A from ready access to B's folders and files. But, other than A is a Dell and B is an HP, the two devices are virtually identical.
How do I contact chev65?
Thank you for your patience and help, Josh.
AC Falk
Stans, Switzerland

 

[chev65]

Dear Josh,
Sorry. I mis-spoke...or did not select the correct wording. Both A and B are still on the home network, and both WERE in the HomeGroup. But since I thought the problem might be with B's membership in the HomeGroup, I disconnected it from the HomeGroup and tried to rejoin it. For some reason, B is not being allowed to rejoin the HomeGroup. But, both A and B are of course still on the Home Network. But still, from A, I cannot promptly see folders and transfer files to and from B's C-drive from A. But, everything is possible to and from B's C-drive into A's. I think you are probably correct from a couple of messages ago: something in B...maybe a firewall or the like, is preventing A from ready access to B's folders and files. But, other than A is a Dell and B is an HP, the two devices are virtually identical.
How do I contact chev65?
Thank you for your patience and help, Josh.
AC Falk
Stans, Switzerland

I think we can fix the Homegroup problem although the blocked sharing is most likely a problem caused by the anti virus software and may not be fixable without uninstalling the A/V software. The link below describes a special process to uninstall this software from a Windows 7 machine.
http://howto-uninstall.windowsuninstaller.org/uninstall-pc-tools-spyware-doctor-with-antivirus-9-1/

Leaving the old Homegroup should be tried first from both machines then create a new one and rejoin if possible.

If leaving or rejoining isn't working then click on the link below and follow directions to remove all files from the Peer Networking folder.
http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/62176-homegroup-not-working.html

 

[Shadowjk]

Just reply to chev65 in this thread follow the help above

Josh