Windows 7 Homegroup Libraries won't open

[hellic]

Hi! I'm having trouble sharing my files between two Windows 7 computers, one 32-bit and one 64-bit but both build 7100. I've got the comps connected in a LAN with a Linksys WRT54G ver. 6 router (updated firmware).

The two comps are in the same Homegroup, with the network discovery, file sharing, etc. turned on and password protection turned off. I can see the homegroup libraries of one computer from the other (i.e. the 32-bit homegroup/libraries is visible from the explorer window of the 64-bit comp).

However, I cannot open any of the library folders. I double-click but it does nothing.

As a test, I shared a random folder (Contacts) on the homegroup. The folder is visible from the other comp, but when I try to access it Windows gives the error "The network path was no found (error code 0x80070035)". Diagnosing the problem does nothing.

The same error appears when I try accessing the other comp from the Network explorer. I tried using user accounts and passwords to connect instead of using the homegroup, but the network error also appears.

Any help?

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are encountering network sharing issues between your Windows 7 computers despite being in the same Homegroup. The error you are receiving, "The network path was not found (error code 0x80070035)," indicates a problem in establishing a connection between the two computers. Let's troubleshoot this step by step:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Check Network Location:
   • Confirm that the network type is set to "Home" network on both computers. This setting ensures that network sharing features are enabled.
   []Disable Firewall/Antivirus:
   • Temporarily disable the firewall and antivirus software on both computers. Sometimes, these security applications can block file sharing.
   []Restart Computers:
   • Reboot both computers to ensure that all network configurations are properly initialized.
   []Check Network Discovery and File Sharing:
   • Verify that the "Network Discovery" and "File and Printer Sharing" options are enabled in the Network and Sharing Center.
   []Check Services:
   • Ensure that the following services are running:
     • Function Discovery Resource Publication
     • SSDP Discovery
     • UPnP Device Host
   []Check Permissions:
   • Confirm that the shared folders have appropriate permissions set for the Homegroup users to access them.
   []Update Network Drivers:
   • Update the network adapter drivers on both computers to the latest versions available.
   []Use Direct IP Address:
   • Try accessing the shared folders by entering the direct IP address of the target computer in the File Explorer.
   []Check Network Path:
   • Ensure that the network path you are trying to access is correct and properly formatted.

     Additional Suggestions:​

   • Different Networking Protocol:
   • If the issue persists, try changing the network sharing protocol. You can switch between Homegroup sharing and standard workgroup sharing.
   • Manual Network Setup:
   • Consider setting up a manual network connection instead of relying solely on Homegroup for sharing files.
   • Third-Party Software Conflicts:
   • Verify that there are no conflicts with third-party software that might be interfering with network sharing. If the issue continues after trying these steps, please provide an update so we can further assist you.