Connecting to local computers

Question

I have 3 computers on a local network via Wifi and cable to the modem. Laptop on W10, New half tower W10, and old half tower on W7, which I am trying to move over to new W10 PC. All printers come off the old W7PC at present. 

The network is working and all computers can get internet but can't connect to other computers to exchange files or use printers.

Some machines are visible on file explorer on some computers and when I click on the relevant computer it says "enter network credentials" 'username & password'

I'm lost here - What user name & password - have tried many to no avail.

Can you reset these credentials some how ?

The old W7 PC has a Homegroup password that does not work but I understand Windows 10 does not use Homegroup

Is this the correct way to connect to other computers ?

cheers

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I understand that you are asked to enter network credentials when accessing computer over network. I’ll certainly assist you with this.

Ideally, when you are asked for credentials, you will need to enter the username and password of the computer which you are trying to access. If you are on a secured network, you can turn off password protected sharing under Network and sharing options and you will not be prompted for a password.

If you are unable to access the computer by entering the username and password of the computer, one of thing that I can suggest you is to try entering the Device name and password when you receive the prompt. To check for the Device name, go to Start >> Settings >> System >> About.

If that doesn’t work, try the steps mentioned below:

1. On the computer for which you are being asked for password, type command prompt in the search bar on the Taskbar.
2. Right click on the command prompt icon, and select Run as administrator.
3. Now, type whoami and hit Enter.

You will get the name of the device, try using the name as the username and use the computer password.

However, if you have never used credentials to access files over network, you may want to check the network settings and see if Password protected sharing is turned off. To do this, refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Go to control panel > Click on network and internet > Click on network and sharing.
2. Click on Change advance sharing settingson the left pane.
3. Turn off password protected sharing.
4. Click on Save changes

Let us know the results, we will be glad to help you further.

Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator