Solved Can't join HomeGroup

Want my Windows 8.1 computer to join my HomeGroup which currently consists of my Win 7 desktop and Win 7 laptop.

In Network and Sharing Center it sees the HomeGroup and says "Available to Join". I try to join by inputting the password and after a minute it says "Windows no longer detects a homegroup on this network...."

Why is this happening? What to do? What is the point of having multiple computers if you can't join them.

I also see that I can't even access the other computer through network. It shows both computers yet when I click on one it says its not accessible, I don't have permissions, etc. I have done nothing to change anything. Why can't I see other computers on my own network? On my two Win 7 computers it was as simple as could be. Why is this Win 8.1 giving me trouble?

Hello Bru,

Check to see if the information at the top of the tutorials below may help. If not, then leave the homegroup on all computers, create a new homegroup on the W8.1 computer, and add the W7 computers.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/15831-homegroup-join-windows-8-a.html

Homegroup - Add Computer or Join - Windows 7 Help Forums

Hope this helps for now.

Hey Brink. I will give that a try but the second part of my post is what is really concerning.

Why am I getting a "not accessible" error when I try to access other computers on the network? Either from the Win 7 to the Win 8 or the reverse. I believe I should be able to access other computers even without a HomeGroup.

You'll only be able to have access to what you have set on the other PCs to allow to be shared with the homegroup or specific users.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/9990-file-sharing-share-stop-sharing-windows-8-a.html

Before messing with that, be sure that the homegroup is setup and working properly to see if that may sort it.

I think I got it sorted. Had to turn off password protected sharing on the Win 8 computer. I don't use a password to log on so I think that was why.

Was immediately able to see the other computers without the error and also join the HomeGroup. Got a few more things to resolve in terms of what users and files I can see/have shared but I think I am on my way. Thanks much Brink.

That's great news Bru.