File Explorer's Network Folder Cannot See Filles on Newly Added Network PCs

Question

I recently purchased two HP laptop PCs (models 17z-ca100 and 17z-ca000) and added them to my home network.  My problem is – when I try to access files on these two new PCs through my network folder, all I see is “This folder is empty.”  This problem started from the outset, straight from the box.  However, I can access files on my other PCs from these new PCs.

NOTE:  Windows 10, 64-bit, latest upgrade (1903), is on all my network computers.

Any help from forum members would be greatly appreciated.

ca le

Answer 1

Hooray! Problem solved.

Using StevenNichols's reply to FrederikLong2's December 1, 2018 query as a guide, I figured out what to do to have the files on my two new HP laptops showing up in File Explorer's network folder (no longer getting the response: "This folder is empty").  It's a matter of designating whatever you wish to see via the network folder as a "share," and making that share accessible ("Give access to") to other accounts/computers on your network.

Here are the steps I followed on the two new computers:  

-  Opened File Explorer

-  Clicked on THIS PC

-  Doubled click WINDOWS (C:)

-  Right clicked USERS (appears in items listed at right)

-  Clicked GIVE ACCESS To > ADVANCED SHARING…

-  Clicked ADVANCED SHARING…

-  Entered check mark at SHARE THIS FOLDER

-  Clicked PERMISSIONS and placed check marks in the three boxes under ALLOW (Control, All, Read)

-  Clicked APPLY, OK, OK, CLOSE

BINGO!!

The folder “Users” now shows up when I click on my network folder, providing access to the files on my two new laptops.

Hope this helps.

ca le

Answer 2

Thanks TechGuy_82

I have looked through the Groovy.com link you provided but I still doubt any of that material will resolve my problem.  I am quite certain all those settings are already present on my system.  Also, since these are brand new computers from HP, I doubt very much that file corruption, as you suggested, is likely to be the cause of the “This folder is empty” response I get when I click on these new PCs on my home network.  I do not have this problem with any other network PC.

 It could be that these PCs were intentionally designed with this deficiency by HP to force customers to sign up for their “Smart Guy” fee-based support plan, thereby increasing their revenue.  I had called them for help earlier but was told my warranty does not cover this issue and I would have to sign up for the Smart Guy plan.  I refused, opting to seek tech community/forum help instead.

It’s looking like I may have to bite the bullet and purchase HP’s Smart Guy plan.  I appreciate your effort in responding to my call for help.

ca le

Answer 3

I understand. The steps in that God above should fix any errors that are happening in file explorer. While I realize that the file explorer search bar not functioning is not specifically listed in that guide they still should address the issue.

However, if you have followed all of those steps and still are not able to type anything into the file explorer search bar.

The next thing to do is to check for and repair any system file corruption

To do that type the word command into the windows search bar. Right click the command prompt option and choose run as administrator.

Input the following Command into the command prompt Window and Press enter

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

DISM.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup

sfc /scannow

when those commands have completed reboot the computer and check file Explorer.

If there is still an issue

Go to Settings -----> Update & Security

Select Recovery -------> Advanced Startup > Restart now --------> Windows 10 Advanced Startup.

Click Troubleshoot -------> Automated Repair.

Answer 4

No, did not solve my problem.  I tried to follow all the material (answers) on your link but I didn't see any relevance to my situation.  It sounds like that material is for (a) PCs missing in File Explorer's network folder and (b) other issues like access permission and so on.  My problem has nothing to do with missing PCs in the network folder.  It's the files that reside on my newly added network PCs (not the PCs themselves) that are missing when I click on the network folder (shows "This folder is empty").

I would appreciate it if you would take another look at my particular situation and see if you have some ideas to share.

Thanks for your reply.

ca le

Answer 5

Hi Cale

I am an independent advisor here to help

I would recommend that you use the steps outlined by Andre Da Costa in the following thread to confirm that you have everything set correctly

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...