Windows 7 Router crashes when accessing shared files

[laddieri]

I am having trouble accessing shared files on my home network from Windows 7. I am currently running the Windows 7 64-bit RC, but i have had the same problem on earlier 32-bit beta versions.

Windows 7 is installed on a desktop computer that is wired to a Belkin wireless G router. I have a laptop running Windows XP that is connected via wireless to the network.

The problem is, whenever I try to access shared files, folders, computers, or even click on the network icon from Windows 7, the home network crashes. A minute after trying to access network files from windows 7 I get "limited connectivity" and all networked computers loose internet access as well as access to the home network. In order to "fix" the network I have to shutdown the Windows 7 PC, unplug the router, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Again, this only happens when I try to access the home network. I am able to browse the internet, download files, etc, in Windows 7 with no problem until I try to access shared files/computers.

I know the problem has nothing to do with the desktop PC's hardware because I am able to access shared files with no problem from a dual-boot ubuntu installation. I have also tried "unchecking" IPv.6 from the network adapter settings in Windows 7.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are encountering a network issue when trying to access shared files on your home network from a Windows 7 computer. Here are some steps you can try to troubleshoot and resolve this problem: 1. Check Network Discovery Settings: - Make sure that network discovery is turned on in Windows 7. - Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings. - Ensure that network discovery, file sharing, and printer sharing are all turned on. 2. Check HomeGroup Settings: - If you are using a HomeGroup for sharing files, ensure that both the Windows 7 and Windows XP computers are part of the same HomeGroup. 3. Verify Firewall Settings: - Check the firewall settings on both the Windows 7 and Windows XP computers. - Ensure that file and printer sharing is allowed through the firewall. 4. Ensure Proper Permissions: - Make sure that the folders you are trying to access have the correct permissions set up for sharing. - Right-click on the folder > Properties > Sharing tab > Share this folder. 5. Disable IPv6: - Since you mentioned that you tried unchecking IPv6 from the network adapter settings, ensure that IPv6 is disabled on both the Windows 7 and Windows XP computers. 6. Update Network Drivers: - Make sure that the network drivers on both computers (Windows 7 desktop and Windows XP laptop) are up to date. 7. Reset TCP/IP: - You can try resetting the TCP/IP stack on the Windows 7 computer. - Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands:

 netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset

8. Check for Software Conflicts: - Disable any third-party security software or VPN programs temporarily to check if they are causing the network issue. 9. Test with a Direct Cable Connection: - Try connecting the Windows 7 desktop directly to the laptop via an Ethernet cable to see if the issue persists. This can help isolate the issue. 10. Network Troubleshooter: - Use the built-in Network Troubleshooter on Windows 7 to diagnose and fix network problems. By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the network issue you are experiencing when accessing shared files on your home network from Windows 7.