Windows 7 Previously functioning network decides to not work this morning

[Tammyt]

our step is simple - two windows 7 computers - cable internet and a router....

I set this all up myself months and months ago - this morning nothing was working - called the cable company - reset router and internet -- have gone through ALL troubleshooting for sharing, etc -

Now both computers can see use the internet and the printer -- both computers can "see" each other - when trying to acces the other computer I get the password screen (never needed/used previously) -- type in the login name password -- comp 1 can see comp 2 but can not access any files -- double check comp 2s sharing -- all files enabled for sharing -- use comp 2 to see comp 1 - comp 2 can "see" it but will not open anything - not even ask for password..

I have been at this for three hours -- I am at my wits end and have TONS of work to get done PLEASE HELP!!

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you're encountering connectivity and sharing issues between your two Windows 7 computers. Let's troubleshoot this step by step to resolve the problem:

Step 1: Network Discovery and Sharing Settings​

1. Network Discovery:
   • Make sure that network discovery is enabled on both computers. This setting allows your computers to see each other on the network.
   []Setting Network Location:
   • Ensure that both computers are set to the same network location (Home, Work, or Public). Different network locations can affect sharing permissions.

     Step 2: Check Homegroup Settings​

   []Homegroup:
   • If you were previously using Homegroup for sharing, ensure that both computers are part of the same Homegroup. You may need to create a new Homegroup if the previous one is not accessible.

     Step 3: File and Printer Sharing​

   []Shared Folders:
   • Verify that the folders you want to access are shared with the correct permissions.
   []Firewall Settings:
   • Check the firewall settings on both computers. Make sure file and printer sharing is allowed through the firewall.

     Step 4: User Accounts and Credentials​

   []User Accounts:
   • Ensure that both computers have user accounts set up with the same username and password to establish a proper connection.
   []Credential Manager:
   • Check the Credential Manager on both computers to manage saved credentials for network connections. Delete and re-enter credentials if necessary.

     Step 5: Reboot and Test​

   []Reboot:
   • Restart both computers and the router to ensure a fresh network connection.
   []Test Access:
   • After rebooting, try accessing files and folders between the computers again to see if the issue is resolved.

     Additional Troubleshooting Steps​

   • Ping Test:
   • Perform a ping test from one computer to the other to check the network connection.

• Network Troubleshooter:
  • Run the Network Troubleshooter in Windows to diagnose and fix common network issues.

    Get Back to Work​

    I hope these steps help resolve the connectivity and sharing issues between your Windows 7 computers. If you need further assistance or encounter any specific error messages, please provide more details so that we can troubleshoot more effectively and get you back to work smoothly!