So, I have two computers: ALAN-PC and JARED-PC. The former is my "dad's" (even with my own computer it's still really mine because he has a laptop and a netbook) that has two users on it--Alan and Jared (my dad and I, respectively). The latter is totally mine and was built last year, so naturally I am the only user. Both run Windows 7 Home Edition. They are about 11-12 feet away from each other, but because the room used to be a balcony, the walls are cement. My dad's computer is on the side with the modem and the router, while my computer has a Linksys wireless adapter. My problem is sharing files. A long time ago I had set up a homegroup on my dad's computer, not really being aware what it did. Whatever changes I've made to that computer over the four years we've had it has allowed my computer to freely access my dad's files. However, my computer will not let my dad's computer access my files. I've done what seems like everything. I've restarted the homegroup multiple times. I've tried looking through all the settings. I've tried using a workgroup. I've tried manually sharing the folders and allowing everyone to read and write. Everything's working; the problem is that it's a one-way street. Does anyone have any idea how to fix this?
I don't know how to fix the homegroup issue, but there are two alternatives to it that might work in your situation: BitTorrent Sync - You can set up a shared folder between yourselves. No connection to internet required if both computers are on the same network and can talk to each other. Easy configuration: you generate a 'key' for a folder on one computer and type it in on the other computer. Files are not stored in the cloud. No account needed. You're only limited by the amount of space on your hard drive. Dropbox - You can set up a shared folder between yourselves. As long as both computers have a connection to the internet, it usually "just works." You can see your files online. However, you're limited by space in free account (starts with 2 GB, up to 16 GB can be earned for free). Account required. Files stored in cloud.
HomeGroup is a piece of shite. Fallback to the traditional Windows filesharing method of SMB: http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=63123 I've had nothing but problems with HomeGroup. Only ever use SMB.
Its not the best solution but on our home network, everyone with Windows 7, share files by Skype. Transfer speeds of around 3MB/sec.
It will not let you? Like it asks for a password? You can try turning off password protected sharing if you haven't done so already. And maybe destroy the homegroups.
I haven't really had too many problems with Homegroups. You could try going into properties > sharing tab > Share, then remove and readd Homegroup as read/write.
