Failure to set up HomeGroup
Tried to help a friend set up a HomeGroup network between his Desktop and Laptop. Both are running Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit.
The desktop is connected to a BT Hub3 via ethernet cable. The laptop is connected to the same Hub via wireless.
I created a HomeGroup on the desktop and duly noted the password.
When I attempted to join the HomeGroup on the laptop, I was told that none existed on the network. All it showed was the same window with the option to create one.
If I look at the desktop connection it shows it connected via Network 2, which I assume is the LAN card.
The laptop shows a wireless connection via the BT Hub.
I thought Win 7 automatically detected machines using the same connection.
What am I doing wrong?
Could someone walk me through the problem please?
May 25th, 2011 3:35am
Sorry to reply to my post but may have found the links to what I was looking for. Haven't tried them yet because I need to access my friend's computer. However, they may help people with a similar problem. Both are from Microsoft.
The first is a Walkthrough that explains how to set up the computers for a HomeGroup:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee449416(WS.10).aspx
The second is similar but also contains a downloadable "Fix". It also explains the Services needed for HomeGroup and how to configure them as well as how to fix a corrupted peer networking idstore.sst file:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Why-can-t-I-join-a-homegroup
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
May 25th, 2011 6:27am
OK, finally discovered why I was unable to set up HomeGroup.
My friend had named the desktop doreen-PC and the laptop Doreen-PC. When looking at the network it appears that computer names are NOT case sensitive. Both were listed as DOREEN-PC.
Changed them to Doreen-PC1 (Desktop) and Doreen-PC2 (Laptop). I was then able to set up HomeGroup.
Strange thing is that although I can see Doreen-PC1 (Desktop) in the HomeGroup when using the laptop wireless, I cannot see Doreen-PC2 (Laptop) in the HomeGroup when using the wired Desktop.
Although the wireless laptop is not shown in the wired desktop, I can view/edit files on the desktop via the laptop.
Both are enabled to share files and both have discovery enabled.
Perhaps I should start a new thread for this problem?
May 28th, 2011 5:20am