Windows cannot setup a homegroup on this computer.

Question

Original Title- Homegroup problem

hey, i left the homegroup that my laptop automaticly put me in at the original startup. and now when i try to make one it just always says "windows cannot setup a homegroup on this computer." and wont let me go any farther. 2 other laptops are on windows 7 on the network. both of them have exited their homegroups. im on win7 home premium 64. ive ran the troubleshooter and it doesnt know how to fix it(not surprized). ive disabled and re-enabled the homegroup services and some of the Peer-to-peer services anyone know what i need to do to fix this?

Answer 1

Hello,

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You may check if all the below provided settings are enabled properly -

Step 1: Check for the workgroup -

a. Open System by clicking the  Start button, right-clicking  Computer, and then clicking  Properties.

b. The workgroup name is displayed under C omputer name, domain, and workgroup settings.

If required change the settings for the workgroup accordingly. Refer to eth below link for assistance -

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Join-or-create-a-workgroup

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Step 2:

The network location might not be set to Home. HomeGroup only works on home networks. To change your network location, follow these steps:

a. Open Network and Sharing Center by clicking the  Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type network, and then click  Network and Sharing Center.

b. Click  Work network or  Public network, and then click Home network.

Step 3:

Network discovery is turned off. To turn on network discovery, follow these steps:

a. Open Advanced sharing settings by clicking the  Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type network, click  Network and Sharing Center, and then, in the left pane, click Change advanced sharing settings.

b. Click the chevron to expand the  Home or Work network profile.

c. Click  Turn on network discovery, and then click  save changes. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

You may also refer to the below links if needed -

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Why-can-t-I-connect-to-other-computers

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Why-can-t-I-see-other-computers-on-my-network

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Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Meghmala – Microsoft Support

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Answer 2

I'm having exactly the same problem. I have two Win7 desktops (1 Home Premium-64, 1 Ultimate-32) that hook up easily to Homegroup, created by either computer.

I also have a Win7 Lenovo U260 laptop running Home Premium-64 that sees theexisting Homegroup, but when I try to join, after entering the password, I get "Windows cannot set up a homegroup on this computer". Ran the full homegroup troubleshooter, set all three clocks by same internet time (time-a.nist.gov), all on same Workgroup, no domain, WiFi or wired, Home network set, Network Discovery on, latest network drivers and SP1 Windows updates. I can see all three computers in Full Map.

I tried deleting the Homegroup, then creating a new one on the laptop, Both desktops saw the laptop's homegroup, but neither could join it - go the same "Windows cannot set up a homegroup on this computer" message each time.

Help!  Curt

Answer 3

Hi glitchhawk,

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1. Have you done any recent changes on the computer?

2. What are the editions of Windows 7 you are using on other computers?

3. What kind of connections exists between the computers on network?

4. Are your computers on the same workgroup? 5. Which security software is installed on your computer?

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Actually in Windows 7 Starter and Windows 7 Home Basic, you can join a homegroup, but you can’t create one. So make sure of the editions you are using.

Method 1:

You may refer to the below link and check if the steps provided assist you -

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Why-cant-I-create-a-homegroup

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Why-cant-I-access-my-homegroup

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Why-can-t-I-join-a-homegroup

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Method 2:

If issue persists I would suggest you to temporarily disable the security software like anti-virus, etc and check. Do not forget to enable the security software after the troubleshooting is done as your computer will be under risk.

Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Meghmala – Microsoft Support

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Answer 4

hello thanks for replying. i am not sure of the workgroup i will have to check on that. i'm using Microsoft Security Essentials, i tried disabling it and i still get an error. all 3 of the windows 7 computers are windows 7 premium. and they are all connected via Wifi 802.11n.

Answer 5

Hello, I have tried all of the above and am not able to create a homegroup. This may sound dumb (I'm new to this stuff) but my desktop is connected via ethernet cable to the network and my laptop is connected via wireless connection. Does that make a difference?

I know the computers can see each other because if I have the Network and Sharing Center window open I can see the option to "Join Homegroup" but if I leave the network the option changes to "Create Homegroup" on the other computer.

Thanks for your help!