windows 10 networking and file sharing

Question

I have 3(A,B & C) computers and I check all these 3 computers have the same settings for advanced sharing setting, and network set to private. This problem has been bugging for ages that I could not resolve it. The problem:
A can file share with B no problem there ie both ways. C is the problem, it cannot share with either A or B and vice versa. I can see all the 3 computers, A, B, and C under network from the C computer. From C when I click either A or B I get this error message below:

windows cannot access A(or B).

you do not have permission to access ||A or B contact network admin.

The reverse is also true ie neither B or A can access C.

I tried the 4 settings from microsoft help desk networking settings to auto under services.msc.

Any other suggestions. I am sure many users have experienced this kind of problem before.

Answer 1

Hello Tean,

Thank you for your question and for reaching out with your question today.

When encountering file sharing issues between multiple computers on a network, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the problem. Here are some suggestions:

1. Check Network Discovery and File Sharing Settings: Ensure that Network Discovery and File Sharing are enabled on all three computers (A, B, and C). You can verify this by going to the Network and Sharing Center in the Control Panel and checking the advanced sharing settings.
2. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings: Make sure that the firewall settings on each computer allow file sharing and that the antivirus software is not blocking the network connections. You may need to add exceptions or create rules to allow file sharing.
3. Verify File and Folder Permissions: Check the permissions on the shared folders and ensure that the appropriate users or groups have permission to access them. Set the permissions to allow full access if necessary.
4. Create a Common Workgroup: Ensure that all three computers are part of the same workgroup. This can be checked and modified in the System Properties settings. Having the same workgroup can facilitate easier sharing between computers.
5. Check User Accounts and Credentials: Ensure that you are using the correct username and password when accessing shared resources on the other computers. It is recommended to have the same username and password on all computers for seamless authentication.
6. Restart Networking Services: Try restarting the "Server" service and "Workstation" service on all computers. This can be done through the Services.msc console.
7. Reset TCP/IP Stack: Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges and run the following commands one by one: "netsh winsock reset" and "netsh int ip reset". Then restart the computers.
8. Disable Third-Party Firewalls or Security Software: Temporarily disable any third-party firewalls or security software on all three computers and check if the file sharing works. If it does, adjust the settings of the security software to allow file sharing.
9. Update Network Drivers: Ensure that the network drivers on all three computers are up to date. Visit the manufacturer's website for each computer's network adapter and download the latest drivers.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the file sharing issues between computers A, B, and C. If the problem persists, it might be helpful to consult with a network administrator or seek additional technical support.

I used AI provided by ChatGPT to formulate part of this response. I have verified that the information is accurate before sharing it with you.

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