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

Sorry you're having the same problem, Tori, and my "fix" isn't my fix at all so it probably won't help... after a "random" Windows update and I went in on my regularly weekly scavenger hunt on the create-a-Homegroup page, it actually WORKED.  Just like that.  I didn't do a thing.  That's what made me think, like the previous poster, that it was a Microsoft bug they fixed and, of course, didn't bother to let their customers know about because then they would look rather stupid, which I will not comment on.  At any rate, be sure you are signed up to get updates..  It took MONTHS for me to be able to get all three computers back on my homegroup and it was very inconvenient.  You might want to invest in the paid per-case consultation with Microsoft if it's slowing your productivity.  Don't believe any of their posted fixes will work.  Good luck

Answer 3

I had the same problem than everyone above. After 5 days of reading everything on the net on this  subject and trying everything suggested, my solution lied in the router that my 2 PC's are linked to.

I have a Wireless Belkin router, which is linked to my DSL modem/router. So my 2 desktops were connected to the Belkin, which also serves as a wireless router for 2 laptops in the home. I wanted to created a Homegroup between the 2 desktops.

It turned out that the Belkin, no matter what you do to it, is not suitable for "relaying" Homegroup network traffic. After connecting the 2 desktops directly to the DSL modem/router, my 2 desktops suddenly connected via a Homegroup.

Importantly, I also started the Homegroup over. That means, both desktops had to leave the Homegroup, (see the leave the homegroup setting in the Homgroup, Network Sharing Centre). I created a new Homegroup with a new password, and then the 2 PC's connected.

Answer 4

I have tried the answers suggested, I too am using W7 home Premium 64 bit, I have two laptops on the same system which share files with each other but recently (in the last two weeks) have suddenly stopped talking to my desktop which is described above. I have tried to reset my home workgroup and it has offered a new password. I have changed that password to be the same as the other two computers but it will not allow me to join the workgroup. I don't normally play with settings, if it isn't broke don't fix it is my motto so the only changes have been Microsoft updates Norton Antivirus updates and nothing else. I just don't know where to go next.

Ernie Sollis

Answer 5

If you have enabled restoration points for your laptop's hard drives (located under backup and restore in the control panel), I would try and restore the laptops to a time in the past when you know they still communicated  with your desktop.

You can also try and create a new Homegroup. That means that all the machines on your network first have to "leave" the current Homegroup (see the Leave Homegroup function under Homegroups) and then start over by creating a new Homegroup with a new password.

Also make sure that your router has the latest firmware installed. MS is notorious of affecting older hardware with security updates, which either make them completely inoperalble or severely affecting some functions. This is usually as a result of  unintended consequences of security updates.  So contact your router manufacturer support and hear if they perhaps have a solution.

If you have access to a spare router, try and use a different router and see if that helps.