Solved Why cant i network workgroups?

[Azim1980]

Ok, i was used to creating workgroups in the 'Windows XP' days, now under Windows 7 since they introduced this crappy 'homegroup' thingy. Its a lot more restricted. Trying to create your own IP addressed machines on a network with your own shares is bloody impossible. Am i doing something wrong? I've done everything i used to do with Windows XP workgroups, but replicating it in Windows 7, gives me no joy. Any ideas?

 

[TanyaC]

You don't have to use homegroups in Windows 7. "Traditional" networking is still supported. Indeed, one of the first things I do when I install Windows 7 is delete the homegroup and disable both homegroup services (listener and provider - via servics.msc)

You can set up shares/permissions and such using the sharing wizard or manually. To set stuff up manually, go to control panel, folder options, view and scroll down and untick "Use sharing Wizard (recommended)".

When you right click a drive or folder there is a "Share with" option, which then has "advanced sharing" option. (As long as the wizrd is disabled).

Then you can see if the folder/drive is already shared, and there is an Advanced sharing button. Click on that and you can set up your shares, permissions and security the old way.

Disabling the homegroup provider service in services.msc will remove the homegroup option in the navigation pane... for all intents and purposes you won't even know homegroups exist.

You will also need to make sure network discovery and file and folder sharing is enabled in control panel, network and sharing center. You should also consider if you want password protected sharing on or off (same place).

hth
Tanya

 

[flogit]

Hello.Firstly I'm sorry to hijack your post,But very interested in the reply that tanyaC gave.
may I ask a question on that,Reading your method will one have to do that setup on both computers and how does one access each computer if the home group is disabled will there be an icon to access the sharing as home group has an icon in the libraries?
thanks,sorry to butt in.

 

[TanyaC]

Hello.Firstly I'm sorry to hijack your post,But very interested in the reply that tanyaC gave.
may I ask a question on that,Reading your method will one have to do that setup on both computers and how does one access each computer if the home group is disabled will there be an icon to access the sharing as home group has an icon in the libraries?
thanks,sorry to butt in.

If you want to share folders or drives on EACH computer, yes, you have to set up the shared resources on each computer. If you want to share on one computer only, but access those shares from other PCs, there would be nothing to share on those other PCs.

You should enable network discovery and file and printer sharing from advanced network properties.

If you want to set up libraries on a PC that accesses shares on another computer, you will need a library tool (preferred), or edit the registry directly (not recommended), such as this..

WinAero: Librarian

By default, windows 7 will not allow you to link libraries to network locations.

Once a resource (folder or drive) is shared it can be access by mapping a drive letter to it, creating a library that accesses it, or using symbolic links and shortcuts. You can also access these shares using Network Locations (from Computer select "add a network location").

If you want to discuss this further you should probably start a new thread.

 

[flogit]

Thank you,Will look into your method.