Windows 7 Homegroup issue: Wired desktop / Wireless laptop

[ashleylynch]

Both computers are running Win7 x64 Home and connected through a D-Link 604 router with no issue.

Both are part of the same workgroup and homegroup.

When the laptop is connected via ethernet, sharing between computers is not a problem.

When the laptop is connected via wireless, sharing is no longer possible, even though still connected to the homegroup. I've been unable to find what is preventing this.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are facing a networking issue with sharing between computers when one of them is connected via wireless. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Check Wireless Network Settings:
   • Make sure the wireless network is set to "Home" or "Work" network profile, rather than "Public." Public networks have more restrictions that can prevent sharing.
   []Firewall and Antivirus Software:
   • Disable firewall and antivirus software temporarily to check if they are blocking the sharing. If sharing works with them disabled, adjust their settings to allow file and printer sharing.
   []Network Discovery and File Sharing:
   • Ensure that Network Discovery and File Sharing are turned on. You can do this in the Network and Sharing Center in Control Panel.
   []Check Share Permissions:
   • Verify that the folder you are trying to share has the correct permissions set for the network. Right-click on the folder, go to "Properties," then "Sharing" and "Advanced Sharing."
   []Network Adapter Settings:
   • Check the power settings of the wireless adapter to ensure it is not set to power-saving mode, which can sometimes cause network connectivity issues.
   []Update Network Drivers:
   • Update the network drivers on both computers to the latest version. Sometimes outdated drivers can cause network problems.
   []Reset Homegroup:
   • If the homegroup is not functioning correctly, you can try to leave the homegroup on both computers and create a new one.
2. Network Troubleshooter:
   • Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter tool to see if it can identify and fix the issue automatically.

     Additional Notes:​

   • Homegroup and Workgroup:
   • Homegroup is designed for home networks with Windows 7 and newer versions. Workgroup is an older method of sharing files and printers between computers on the same network.
   • Connection Stability:
   • Sometimes wireless connections can be less stable than Ethernet. Ensure there are no interferences affecting the wireless signal strength. Try these steps and see if they help resolve the issue with sharing between computers when one is connected wirelessly. Let me know if you need further assistance or if you encounter any specific errors during these steps.