Windows 7 Homegroup Problem and Phantom PC

[ncguy]

I created a homegroup on a W7 RTM machine that I was using for testing. Didnt bother to write down the password because I wasn't planning on using it on another machine at the time. Later I installed a new W7 RTM over the test version. When I try to join a homegroup it wants the password for the machine which no longer exists? It won't allow me to do anything else until I give it that password. I tried shutting down all the PC's, router, etc for a while but no luck. Is there a reg hack or something I am going to have to do to get rid of the phantom PC?

 

[kemical]

I've googling for a fix but without much success.. Is it possible to do a fresh install?

 

[ncguy]

I've googling for a fix but without much success.. Is it possible to do a fresh install?

After I rebooted all my network gear and restarted all the PC's the phantom machine was still there and preventing me from doing a new homegroup. Now that a day has passed since the reset, just for kicks, I decided to see if the phantom machine was still there. Low and behold it was gone and I was able to create the homegroup. I really didn't do anything since yesterday, didn't restart a thing or change any configuration. It was like a ghost that left in the night. I can't really figure it out but I don't think it will be an issue any longer. My only advise is that if you are down to the last machine with an enabled homegroup I would try to disable the group before wiping that particular copy of W7.

Thanks for responding kemical.

 

[kemical]

Hi ncguy,
thanks for the update. Great to hear your now clear of the problem too.
Any other issues please don't hesitate to ask...