Unable to Access Any Other Computer in Workgroup or Homegroup

[BillyAsh]

Hi I have a home network of 4 computers. I have recently installed Windows 7 on 3 of them - the other is XP Professional. Since then I have not been able to see/share/ping with any of the computers, which are all in the same workgroup. Also If i try to set up a Homegroup on the 3 Windows 7 pcs after creating a homegroup then trying to join it on a 2nd pc the message There is currently no homegroup on the network is displayed. My knowledge of networking is small. The networking Trouble Shooter gives a 'Your computer appears to be correctly configured but the DNS Server is not responding'. The Homegroup troubleshooter cannot find a problem on either machine. I have no problems connecting to the Internet from any machine. Any help would be greatfully appreciated.

 

[Roderunner]

Hi BillyAsh, have you tried 'Network' method ?

 

[Sexy Devil]

Hey ash,
if you have internet then use TEAM VIEWER. I have'nt tried it yet but I think you have to install it in all 3 PCs
Check here :
TeamViewer Download

 

[Roderunner]

Hey ash,
if you have internet then use TEAM VIEWER. I have'nt tried it yet but I think you have to install it in all 3 PCs
Check here :
TeamViewer Download

I tried it, and never liked it.

 

[Sexy Devil]

lolzZZ.. haha thank you for informing me....... so , ill not try it.

 

[BillyAsh]

Hi Roderunner, Thanks for the prompt response. Not sure what you mean by 'Network' Method. The network set up where I am having the problems is wireless (WAG 160N Router).

I have also connected 2 pcs via a LAN connection with not much more luck as follows:

Windows 7 pc and Windows 7 pc.
Could see and explore both PCs
Could not join homegroup on second machine. Trouble shooter on both machines failed to find a problem!

Windows 7 pc and XP pc.
Could not see or ping either machine!

 

[Roderunner]

Hi Roderunner, Thanks for the prompt response. Not sure what you mean by 'Network' Method. The network set up where I am having the problems is wireless (WAG 160N Router).

I have also connected 2 pcs via a LAN connection with not much more luck as follows:

Windows 7 pc and Windows 7 pc.
Could see and explore both PCs
Could not join homegroup on second machine. Trouble shooter on both machines failed to find a problem!

Windows 7 pc and XP pc.
Could not see or ping either machine!

Hi BillyAsh, I would like you to do 2 things. The second is do NOTHING. The first is
Read this Article. I had same problem and fixed it easily.

 

[2xg]

Hi BillyAsh,

If you have any Firewall or Security Software installed on those machines, pls. disable them for now.
If you're using the Windows built-in Firewall, make sure that Files and Printer sharing is Excluded.

Create Identical UserNames and Passwords on both computers.

Please compare your current configuration on how to share files and printer.
Share Files and Printers between Windows 7 and XP - How-To Geek

Disable Password Protected Sharing in Windows 7:
Disable Password Protected Sharing — MAXIMUMpcguides – Windows 7 tips, tricks, help, and how-to guides

Verify that you are sharing the folder to Everyone, give full access for now. Were you trying to share the entire C Drive or subfolders in the C Drive? Please share the entire C drive for now, call it C.
Click on Start, type the \\ComputerName\C or \\IPAddress\C - The Computer Name or IP Address of the computer that you're trying to access in your home network.

Please post an update and let us know the outcome.

 

[BillyAsh]

Hi Roderunner,
Tried changes in link you sent - no change to anything reportes above! But thanks for trying.

 

[BillyAsh]

Hey 2xg,

Thanks for offering some advice. I went through steps you pointed out and in the links you sent. Exactly the same results except can now joing homegroup. So to recap:

Wireless:
No machine can see any other machine.

LAN

Windows 7 cannot see XP and vice versa.
Windows 7 machines can see and explore each.
Windows 7 machines can homegroup.

It's a start, thanks

 

[Roderunner]

Hi Roderunner,
Tried changes in link you sent - no change to anything reportes above! But thanks for trying.

Hi Billy, all I wanted you to do was read the link not change anything. R.S.V.P.

 

[BillyAsh]

No probs Roderunner. I did read it but also changed the encryption to speed things up when I eventually get up and running.

 

[Roderunner]

No probs Roderunner. I did read it but also changed the encryption to speed things up when I eventually get up and running.

Hi Billy, now you've read the link I can be more specific. I also changed the settings as described BUT, for some reason they re set them selfs to what is in the image below.
The settings are the same on both my PC's.
In the image, it shows my desktop firewall LAN settings, if yours does not have Net Bios setting, set it if you can to Trusted. My laptop uses Windows 7 firewall.
If you right click computer, properties, it shows Workgroup as WORKGROUP, this is the default setting, all yours must be set to the same name.
Both my PC's have a password, but I type netplwiz in the start menu search box, hit enter, then uncheck the only box, and follow instructions after hitting apply.
Tell me when you have done all above.

 

[wilywombat]

Hi Billy, welcome to seven forums. Here they have lots of very good tutorials covering most subjects. For your problem I suggest you follow this link:-
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/43972-homegroup-add-computer-join.html

Good luck and post back if you run into any problems with it.

 

[BillyAsh]

Hi Roderunner,
Thanks for your suggestions. I have a problem in that I do not know how to do this:

'if yours does not have Net Bios setting, set it if you can to Trusted'

Could you give me a few pointers please?

 

[BillyAsh]

Hi Wilywombat,
Thanks for the advice but as one of my PCs is XP I don't think I want to set up a Homegroup. As I understand that can only be used by Windows 7 machines.

 

[2xg]

Great progress it is...you did great on following the directions too.

Are all of the computer's mentioned the ones on wireless network also? Meaning you have wired/wireless configured on all machines? Are the LAN/Wireless all in 1 Subnet? For ex - 192.168.1.X and you don't have a 192.168.0.X configured.

 

[Roderunner]

Hi Roderunner,
Thanks for your suggestions. I have a problem in that I do not know how to do this:

'if yours does not have Net Bios setting, set it if you can to Trusted'

Could you give me a few pointers please?

Billy, I showed you my Outpost FW as their is no need to look for settings in Windows FW. As I dont know what FW's your using all I can suggest is open it and look through the settings. If possible post an image.

 

[BillyAsh]

[SOLVED]
I went round a neighbours, connected 2 machines to their Wireless and could see/access both. Sounds like a Router Problem?
Came home did a Router Reset - Still the same!

Changed the security from WPA-2 to WPA Network now works like a dream.

Many thanks to all who gave up their time to offer advice.

 

[2xg]

BillyAsh - Great to hear that LAN and Wireless connections are both working.

You're Welcome.