Windows 10: Homegroup is working but can't open folders

I have two desktop computers in a Homegroup, connected by a Netgear router. But my problem is that I can only open folders in one direction (from one PC to other is OK, reverse is not).

PC #1 is Windows 10 Pro 1607 x64, using a Netgear Wi-Fi adapter. Disabled the firewall.

PC #2 is Windows 7-SP1 Pro x64, plugged directly into the router (Ethernet). For test, Windows firewall disabled, uninstalled the AV.

I can create a new Homegroup, join both computers, and see and open folders on the Win 10 PC from the Win 7 PC. But from the Win 10 PC I can see the folders on the Win 7 PC, however clicking on them does nothing. No errors.

I have checked that all necessary clients and protocols are enabled in both network adapters. I have checked that IPv6 is enabled for LAN in the router. All necessary services are started on both PC's.

I know the network path is working, because the Win 7 PC is used as a HTPC in the living room, and has a web server that I can access OK from a browser on the WIN 10 PC.

I have rebooted after every change, even deleted the files from the peernetworking folder. I am stumped.

:)

 

Unable to Start Peer Name Resolution Protocol Service

Though I had some trouble finding the MachineKeys folder (maybe it's hidden?) this solution worked perfectly to fix my homegroup problem. Thanks, CrazyRabbit!

Why can't the Windows troubleshooter just tell you why you can't get the homegroup to work?

 

Establishing home network

Thanks Qui for your reply.

The build ID is 14393.1066

Both PCs are connected with wired connection.

I see the folder that I shared in the Network folder on the Win10 explorer but not on the Win7 (on Win7 Network folder I do not see the Win10 PC ID).

One another thing regarding the HomeGroup - I have HomeGroup entity in the Win7 but when I open the HomeGroup page in the Win10, I get the message that there is no HomeGroup at the network...

Both PCs are connected through switch with my VDSL router and both have internet connection (as it seemed to me that there might be connectivity issues as Win10 can't recognize the configured HomeGroup on the other PC).

Thanks

 

Hi zzzoom.

When you say you can see files on the Windows 7 machine from your Windows 10 can you see / open files in the Public directory?


Ken

 

Have you tried mapping a drive to it does it have a folder shared with correct permisions? try from a cmd prompt

net use e: \\pcname or ip\sharename password /user:user pass and username are on the pc your connecting to not the pc your on

 

I can only see the folder icons, but not open them.

 

I hear ya, but I shouldn't have to map any drives or set file permissions to use Homegroup, correct? It works OK from the Windows 7 PC to access the Windows 10 Homegroup shared files without doing that.

 

Hi zzzoom

Could I ask you to please right click on your network icon, open network and sharing, the click on "Change Advance Sharing settings.

If you scroll down there is a section on your 7 machine "Password Protected Sharing" and below it "Homegroup". Confirm how you want it. On the 10 machine there is the same setting screen although it doesn't have "Password Protected Sharing"

Disable firewalls, which I think you said you did already for testing (unless it immediately works). Just for record, are you current in patching?


Ken

 

Hi Ken, thanks for your feedback!

My "Password Protected Sharing" is turned off.

 

and if you right click on say Documents, and then click on "Share with" is home group enabled?

Within 10 and 7 there are trouble shooters for sharing files / accessing files. Might be worth trying.

I know this sounds crazy, but did you ever shut off router for a minute and then try. Stranger things have happened.


Ken

 

I ran the Homegroup troubleshooter, which found no issues. If I try to share folders with the legacy method, I get this error on the Win 10 desktop: Error code: 0x80070035 The network path was not found.

Out of curiosity, I started up my laptop with Win10 Home 1511 (pre-anniversary update), joined the same Homegroup and it worked! Could access the Win7 PC Homegroup just fine. My Desktop that can't connect with the Win 7 machine has Win 10 version 1607, up to date, except for the Mar 2017 updates.

 

The puzzle grows. There was another member who posted he lost his casting. Removed the most recent updates and it started working again. You on the other hand have not installed the March updates and it does not work. Maybe try installand see if they have fix enclosed. (LOL)

I can't remember if you reset your Windows 10 network on the machine that doesn't access properly but that may be the next step. Then rejoin Homegroup. You will lose wireless passwords. If you wish to try Start => Settings => Network and Internet

scroll down right hand side, click reset network.

There are these four commands that reset a bunch of things, indicated in brackets (do key in bracketed info). You may wish to try before network reset. Entered to command prompt(admin)

ipconfig /flushdns (Clear the dns cache)
nbtstat -RR (release and refesh NetBIOS names)
netsh int ip reset (reset ip settings)
netsh winsock reset (Reset Winsock Catalog)

You will have to reboot. As with any change it is always a good idea to have a restore point and given its recent flakiness an Image created with Macrium Reflect (with required boot disk). Maybe even boot media.

The plan is not to need any of these, the reality is to have a plan B.

You may wish to see if others have a better idea.


Ken

 

Appreciate the helpful suggestions. I believe that the problem can be isolated to my Win 10 desktop PC. I do take a disk image at least once a month, so resetting the network is probably going to be my next step, if I am going to sort this out. This is an odd one for sure. Will try that tomorrow. Thanks again!