Problem with Homegroups

[zubrick]

I have a laptop and a desktop. Both are running Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit. The laptop connects wirelessly to the router and the desktop is connected directly to the router with a cable. The laptop displays the network name that I assigned when I set up the network. However, the desktop displays that it is connected to "Network 2." When I try to create a homegroup, the system says that you must be on the same network. I think that Windows 7 is splitting the wired and wireless connection into two networks. Any ideas of how to fix this?

 

[chev65]

It might be easier to set up the Homegroup on the wired machine first, after that you should join the Homegroup from the wireless machine but do it from the wireless connection only.

You may need to abandon the Homegroup you already created by doing this on both machines.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/43980-homegroup-leave.html?filter

Then create the new Homegroup on the wired PC first like this.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/43961-homegroup-create.html?filter

Then join from the wireless PC like in the link below, be sure and check your router settings like in the picture.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/43972-homegroup-add-computer-join.html?filter

 

[zubrick]

I have already tried that. The problem is that Windows 7 is separating the computers into two different networks. Is there any way to fix this?

 

[aem]

From your Desktop, are you able to join the network you created on your laptop?

 

[chev65]

I have already tried that. The problem is that Windows 7 is separating the computers into two different networks. Is there any way to fix this?

It sounds to me like you are creating the Homegroup twice, once with each machine. The second machine only needs to join the Homegroup which is accomplished by typing in the Homegroup password when you get the prompt for it during the set up process.

When setting up the Homegroup on the second machine, you need to type in the Homegroup password which you should have already obtained and written down when you set up the Homegroup on the first machine.

Are you getting dual networks when you do that?

It might also help to know your make, model and version number of the router you are using for this so I can check if there is a firmware update.

 

[zubrick]

Neither the desktop or the laptop are able to "see" each other on the network. When I try to join the homegroup made on the desktop with the laptop, there are no available homegroups to join, because the two machines are on different networks.

My router is a Lynkis WRT54G2 v.1

 

[aem]

Show us both machines ipconfig pls.

 

[chev65]

Well your router should be working fine and is compatible. There is a firmware update from June if it comes down to that but I can't say if you need it or not.

As for the machines not being able to see each other, check these settings in the Advanced Network Settings window and make sure they match the ones in the pictures.

 

[zubrick]

Thank you chev65 your solution worked. My settings were not identical on both machines. It works great now. Thanks

 

[chev65]

Hey zubrick thats great. It's usually those settings that cause the most problems. Glad to see you up and running.