Windows 10: Cannot see PC on network since Windows 10 reset...

FYI, just in case ...
If you using a MS Account and want to switch to a Local Account, see this tutorial - Switch to Local Account in Windows 10 User Accounts Tutorials

 

Sorry for the extended absence - I didn't intend to be gone that long - especially for the sake of continuity.

I had never used an MS Account until the past month or so, but before the reset I'm unsure if I was using an MS Account or not.

I had configured all my machines to not require credentials for accessing network devices. Is there any reason why I shouldn't continue that practice?

Is one (MS vs. Local) preferred in my situation?

 

K, that's why I was wondering about Credentials Manager and if it PC2 or PC3 had any old Windows Credentials in the form of UserName/Password vs Email/Password

Nope, your choice.

Nope, one is not preferred over the other (MS vs Local), other than if asked for Credentials they are different as I noted.

Note: Some people run into to issues using a Local Account without a Password, as I believe that's what Network Sharing will try to use by default and since the password can't be blank for Network Sharing things don't work as expected. I don't think this is an issue using a MS account since it requires a password to use.

 

I have backed up credentials on all three machines.

Next, do I remove the old credentials on all machines?

And how should I try again - the method I described in post #10 (copied below) or some other way?

 

Edit: On PC2 and/or PC3 in Windows Credentials does PC1 have credentials and if so what are they ?

 

In Credential Manager on PC 2, it shows an entry named DESKTOP-HGJ6ODI - I think that is the name PC 1 had when I first got it.

Internet or network address: DESKTOP-HGJ6ODI
User name: DESKTOP-HGJ6ODI\HomeGroupUser$
Password: ********
Persistence: Local Machine

 

K. since DESKTOP-HGJ6ODI doesn't exist anymore you can delete it from Credentials Manager / Windows Credentials

How about PC3 anything for PC1 or DESKTOP-HGJ6ODI ?

 

On PC 3 it says "No Windows credentials"

 

Okay .... noting to do there..

Sorry, having to look back, before I get confused... LoL

On PC1 does it have any Credentials for PC2 and PC3 and if so what are they ?

 

Okay ... no problem there as I think you said you can access PC1 from PC2 and PC3.

Edit: Wrong Way, sorry about that.
So, when accessing PC2 and PC3 from PC1 and you get asked for credentials, you enter their respective MS Account email/password and what happens ?

 

I was able to use the credentials to access PC 2 and PC 3 from PC 1. For subsequent attempts at access I am no longer presented with the Credentials dialog.

 

Yep, if you told it to remember, then PC1's Credentials should now be saved in Windows Credentials on PC2 and PC3.

 

To be able to see PC1 on the network, is the next step to try renaming it? If yes, what is the proper way to do that?

 

No, you shouldn't need to rename PC1 to see it on the network. That is most likely an issue, with SMBv1 and/or Master Browser.