I connected my desktop running Windows 7 with my laptop running Windows 8.1 with the Homegroup and transfered files with it about a week ago. Today, though, the desktop computer isn't recognizing the laptop in the homegroup. This is especially strange to me because the laptop recognizes the desktop and I was able to drop a file into the documents folder without issue.

I have left and recreated the homegroup, i have restarted my PC about a million times with both homegroup disconnected and connected before I leave and rejoin or recreate the homegroup.

I have disabled the firewalls to troubleshoot, and it doesn't appear to be a firewall issue.

I have double checked that the sharing is enabled for private networks (as win 8.1 doesn't show Home, Work, Etc. It is simply private or public.)

I've checked every setting that the forums before me have recommended and they are all OK. 

Someone please help. This is driving me crazy...

 

First I'd check the security setting on the shared folder on the Windows 8 machine, since the Windows 7 cannot see it. Make sure that its shared and the Windows 7 user has rights. Then I would enable IPv6 on the Windows 7 Machine, I know you are not utilizing it, but I have solved a similar issue by doing this (not logical by any means, but if it works I don't ask questions)

The security settings look good. Please specify what you mean by the "shared folder".  Where is it located? Ipv6 is enabled on the win 7 and win 8.1 machines. 

The folder in which your dropping files, in this case the documents folder. If the Win 7 machine cant see the documents folder on the Win 8 machine, check the security and sharing setting on the folder you wish to access on the the Win 8 machine.

Oh! okay. Yeah, that is all good. It is all showing that it is shared. 

What baffles me is: I've not changed any settings since connecting the first time (when it was working )

Ok, since one PC can see the other and even transfer files we know its not a network issue. My guess is that some permission or security setting on the Win 8 machine somehow got changed. When you checked the settings on that folder, did you check the security settings along with the sharing settings? A folder can be shared, but if the profile of the Win 7 machine is not listed as allowed, or set to denied they will not be able to access it. Make sure you check both those things.

• Marked as answer by whit2015 14 hours 44 minutes ago