Gang,

Hoping this is not off topic for the forum.

We just both got new XPS12's and are loving them. Never tried accessing files before via a home network. My partners' computer shows on my screen but when I go to access, it says it cannot.

I have verified that "Network Sharing is ON"; using Windows 8.

Strange thing, on his laptop, when trying to verify... his screen does not offer "Turn sharing on or off" option. I am guessing that is what is causing the problem.

Anyone know what might be going wrong or what setting I need to change?

Also, for some reason his computer is not holding the network connection. The bottom screen indicator will be at five bar showing internet access, but if he opens a browser he gets a "not connected to network" error.

Thanks,

William

I'm not a Windows 8 expert but I do like all your networking questions on this board, William!

A couple of things I always do when debugging these kinds of issues:
1. Plug in to a hardwired network to eliminate any wireless issues. You don't *have* to do this but networking issues are complex enough to warrant eliminating some layers that could contribute transient issues.
2. Try things both ways. Can your partner access files on your machine?

BTW, with Windows 8 where are these files that you are trying to access? Are they in the generic shared folder or did you share a specific folder? Also, I am kind of assuming that you are using Guest sharing and not sharing using a userid on the remote computer, right?

Which edition of Windows 8 is it? Basic or Pro? I assume it isn't Enterprise.

For file and/or printer sharing you might consider configuring both computers to be members of the same Windows HomeGroup. This appears to be a classic application for it.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...tart-to-finish

The internet connectivity issue is likely something different. The "five bars" indicate a wifi connection between the computer and the wifi access point, not connectivity to the internet. There's not really enough information about your home network topology in your post to troubleshoot this.

Windows 7 and 8 creates a Home Group when you try to share files on the network. This guide should walk you through the steps of getting the two computers to talk to each other.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...tart-to-finish

Microsoft moved from the standard username/password based sharing to Home Group in Windows 7. It is possible to switch from Home Group to username/password, but not recommended if you don't use password to protect your account.

got beaten to the link

Not sure what I could provide that would help more... it works fine on my laptop... but for some reason he has connectivity problems.

Thanks for the info.

Sorry, you're off-topic.

Just kidding.

"Homegroup" is a limited subset of networking in Windows and I never use it.

Here's how to share folders and printers in Windows:

1. Turn on file and printer sharing. If your partner can't turn it on, it's because he's not logged in with a user ID that carries administrator rights. Have him log-off and then log-on as administrator and he'll be able to do that.

2. Your partner needs to grant access to your ID. This also requires and administrator log-in. There are two ways to do this. Under "permissions" you can simply grant permissions to "Guest" or to "Everyone." Alternatively, you can create a User ID with or without a password and restrict permissions to that user. If you do the latter, the first time you attempt to access the remote machine, it will ask for User ID and password (whether or not one was set -- if not, just leave the password field blank). Check the box that says, "Remember my credentials" (or something similar).

It's a little trickier if you're trying to access an XP machine from a Win7 or 8 machine, but this should work for two Win8 machines.

HHHHmmmm.... he only has one logon for his computer... never set up any other logins... so would have assumed the one would be administrator.

Will have to try again when he gets home.

Thanks for all the advice.

I don't use it either, but that doesn't mean it's not the simplest effective solution for the OP's application and IT skill set. Homegroup was introduced with Windows 7 to simplify the very tasks you described.

I'm sure you're right. I mentioned that I don't use it only because I'm in no position to explain how it works.

I would also take a look at both W8 PC/netbook's security apps - firewall settings, and whether there's anything on the (wireless) router - try disabling them up and connect via ethernet cables (both using same default "workgroup" names assigned?)

Is there more than 1 firewall running (i.e. was on 2 Dell Inspirion earlier - both McAfee & Windows Defender/Firewall enabled & DHCP turned-off were a part of client's wireless connectivity issues) ... plus any hardware firewalls?

From Dos command prompt, can you ping between the 2 PC ? Run an "ipconfig /all" command and compare the values between both PC.