Recently, networking has become “dicey” between Windows 10 machines as well as Windows 7. We have spent many support hours trying to figure out the problem and then coming up with a “unified” solution. There is another article Here, however things have become worse and not better, since then.
PROBLEM:
After configuring all the network connection properties for sharing without a password in a LOCAL network, the other computers can NOT see or connect to the “Shared” folders and printers.
After trying MANY things, here is a remedy that we found and it seems to be repeatable.
SOLUTION:
- REBOOT, REBOOT, REBOOT. I have seen it time and time again, after making all configuration changes, to what is known to be correct, then REBOOT all of the machines and then check the settings again. Anytime that you make additional configuration modifications, REBOOT!!!!
- Open the services menu by clicking start, run (in Win 7) or Cortana Search (in Win 10) and then typing ‘services.msc‘ and pressing enter.
Look for the following services in the list:
· DNS Client
· Function Discovery Provider Host
· Function Discovery Resource Publication
· Peer Networking Grouping
· HomeGroup Provider (if you are using Homegroups)
· HomeGroup Listener (if you are using Homegroups)
· SSDP Discovery - Reset each of these settings FROM “Manual” TO “Automatic” one by one.
- Right after doing each of those changes, RESTART each service.
- If you are using a Homegroup you should LEAVE the Homegroup and REJOIN it.
- REBOOT… Shut down all the machines and restart each, one at a time, starting with the machine with the most amount of shared resources.
This seems repeatable and it is definitely a happy ending.