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Accessing files on my Windows 10 PC from my Android Device

Anonymous
2019-06-27T09:18:47+00:00

Hi, recently, my hard drive failed, taking my copy of Windows 10 with it.

Predictably, I had not created a recovery disk but managed, through another PC, to re-create a restore disk which I then used to re-install Windows 10 on my PC, (after fitting another hard drive).

Previous to the hard drive failure, I was able to use various Android apps e.g., File Manager, VLC, to log into my PC through my wi-fi network and access the files there.

While I had to go through a log-in process through my Android device, (a Samsung Galaxy S5), I knew the PC name and the password.

Now, although I know the PC name and password, (as I set them up), no matter what combination I try through either of my Android apps, they always come back asking me for a username and password.

I've had a look at various threads, including some on this forum, and have tried various suggestions but none of them have worked.

So, my problem is: either I think I know the PC name - and I don't, so how would I find that ?

Or, I have the PC name correct but am entering the wrong password.

Maybe I'm confusing the PC name/password combination  I use for my log-in on the Windows log-in screen with another PC name\password combination I should use but that I know nothing about ?

My Android device can 'see' the PC but can't log into it.

My PC is very old so returning it to the store I bought it from isn't an option, unfortunately.

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-06-27T09:33:03+00:00

    Hi JohnHolt1,

    I am Matt, an Independent Advisor and a specialist technician. I would like to assist you with this and hopefully I can help you to resolve this issue promptly.

    To find your pc name open command prompt (Press windows + R to open run dialog, type "CMD" and press enter)

    In command prompt type "hostname" and press enter. This will give your computer name.

    To find your username in command prompt type "WhoAmI" and press enter.

    For local accounts when logging in remotely from your android device you may need to try some of the following combinations.

    Username and password

    COMPUTERNAME\Username and password

    If you sign into your computer with a microsoft account the username could be the email address.

    I really hope this helps, let me know if I can be of more assistance. Have a great day.

    Kind Regards,

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-07-01T08:51:09+00:00

    Thanks again for this response, Matt and, again, apologies for the late response.

    I have checked your link re: VLC and have fallen at the first hurdle as the link refers to Homegroups and, from other posts on the web, I understand that the latest version of Windows 10 has taken away the function of setting up Homegroups.

    So, without the Homegroup Option, how do I get to the 'Share with Other Computers' screen ?

    Yes, the properties of the volume where the files are stored that I wish to access are set to Share -  and full permissions for Everyone.

    I don't use ES File Explorer, (used to) - but, now, bloated with too many adverts.

    I do use File Manager on my Android device. It also can 'see' the Windows 10 PC but runs into the same issue as VLC does i.e., I can't get the username/password combination correct.

    Any other suggestions/clarifications, as usual, most welcome.

    I am starting to wonder whether a clean re-install of Windows may help ..... ?

    Thanks again.

    Regards,

    John.

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-06-28T08:47:40+00:00

    Hi, Matt, thanks very much for your reply and suggestions.

    The good news is that - as you'd undoubtedly expect - the CMD commands worked fine.

    The bad news is that, even entering those parameters and also trying my email address, hasn't enabled my VLC app to log on to my pc.

    It keeps telling me that my server isn't online - although the Devices screen in Settings tells me that it is - and then VLC presents me with the log-on screen again.

    Any other thoughts really welcome.

    Thanks.

    John.

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  4. Anonymous
    2019-06-29T02:02:44+00:00

    Ok so I am assuming you have setup sharing so that your computer allows the connections? Have a look at the following guide and make sure you haven't missed any steps.

    https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/vlc-101-...

    When entering the username and password, if you use the autofill feature of android to quickly type the username and password it sometimes puts a space at the end, make sure this isn't the cause.

    A quick test you could do is change the permissions of the folder that stores your media files on your pc.

    Right click your videos folder (or what ever folder you store media in) and go to properties.

    Click on the "Sharing" tab and then "Advanced Sharing".

    Click on "Permissions" and give "Everyone" read access.

    If you have done all of the above can you try using a file explorer program from your phone such as "es file explorer" it is free and a great tool for accessing network shares off of networks. This will just help us diagnose if we are having a VLC issue or something else. ES File Explorer or similar should find all available computers on the network and just make connecting a bit easier, I actually use this myself to browse my network folders and play video files from my computer to my phone, it allows the use of VLC too.

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

    Kind Regards,

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  5. Anonymous
    2019-06-28T08:26:45+00:00

    Hi again,

    Just wanted to see if you go this issue resolved or not?

    Kind Regards

    Matt

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