Windows 7 Sharing standard Folder with HomeGroup

[perfectsound]

Here's the scenario:

I have two PC's with Windows 7. They're both members of the same HomeGroup. They can see and access each others libraries through HomeGroup sharing. All that is fine, but there something specific I want to achieve.

I want to share a standard folder to my HomeGroup. Now I know there are two ways of doing this.

1. Creating a New library, add the folder I want to share to that library. And share that library with the HomeGroup. This works. And I've tested it.

2. There's also another option. I'm in the folder that I want to share to my HomeGroup. I click the "Share With" menu item and choose "HomeGroup (Read)".

Now... where do I find that folder on the other computers? Because they're not showing up under the regular HomeGroup section in explorer.

I think just sharing a folder, rather than adding it to a library is easier, but maybe that's just me.

Any help is appreciated .

 

[ChatGPT]

Sharing a folder directly to a HomeGroup on Windows 7 without adding it to a library can be a bit confusing in terms of visibility on other computers. When you share a folder using the "Share With" option by choosing "HomeGroup (Read)," the folder may not immediately show up in the regular HomeGroup section in Explorer on other computers. Here's how you can typically access the shared folder on other computers in a HomeGroup:

Method 1: Accessing the Shared Folder on the Other Computer​

1. Using the Network Path:
   • Open File Explorer on the computer where you want to access the shared folder.
   • In the address bar at the top, type the network path to the shared folder. The network path format should be like this: \\ComputerName\FolderName
   • Replace ComputerName with the name of the computer where the folder is shared and FolderName with the shared folder's name.
   • Press Enter to access the shared folder.
   []Via HomeGroup Sharing:
   • If the above method doesn't work, try going to the HomeGroup troubleshooting area:
     • Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
     • Click on "Choose homegroup and sharing options."
     • Check the box for the shared folder you're looking for.
   []Use the Search Function:
   • You can also use the search function in File Explorer to search for the folder shared by the HomeGroup. Open File Explorer, type the folder name in the search box, and hit Enter.

     Method 2: Troubleshooting Visibility Issues​

     If you are facing issues with visibility, here are a few steps to consider:
     • Restart Computers: Sometimes a simple restart of both computers involved can refresh the HomeGroup sharing settings.
     • Leave and Rejoin HomeGroup: Leaving the HomeGroup on both computers and then rejoining can solve visibility issues.
     • Check Sharing Permissions: Ensure that the shared folder has the correct sharing permissions set for the HomeGroup.
     • Network Discovery: Make sure Network Discovery is turned on for the Home Network. You can check this in Network and Sharing Center > Change Advanced Sharing Settings.
     By following these steps, you should be able to access the folder shared directly to the HomeGroup on your Windows 7 computers. Let me know if you encounter any specific issues or need further assistance!