Cannot access a second computer on home network

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I hope someone can help me solve this seemingly intractable problem. I just added a 4yr-old Dell Inspiron laptop to my home network (Computer 2). The only other device on the network is my desktop HP (Computer 1).

Both computers are running the same s/w and have identical settings:
Windows version 22H2 (OS Build 22621.1992); Private Network: Advanced sharing settings turned on (Network discovery, File and printer sharing, Set up network connected devices automatically).

Computer 2 can see Computer 1 and send files to it. It can also retrieve Files from it. #1 can also look in all #2 subdirectories via Windows Explorer. Computer 1 can see the Computer 2 icon (using File Explorer) but cannot see or open any subdirectories when double-clicked. When I try to do so, the following message appears:
“<i>Windows cannot access \\Dell-7591. Contact your network administrator to request access. </i>Followed by a link<i>: For more information about permissions see Windows Help and support</i>”

I followed that link and about one-half dozen others with advice for fixing the problem. Here’s what I checked and did on both computers:
1. Turned on all SMB folders (in “Turn ON/Off Windows Features”)

2. Ran services.msc to start and make Automatic:
a. Function Discovery Provider Host
b. Function Discovery Resource Publication
c. Network Connections
d. UPnP Device Host
e. Peer Name Resolution Protocol
f. Networking Grouping
g. Peer Networking Identity Manager

None of these solved the problem. Both computers are running ESET Internet Security instead of Windows Defender, so I tried Disabling ESET on both computers, and the problem remained. I checked ESET for any error message when it was turned on and found none. Forgot to mention that the first error I encountered said that the Computer 1 didn’t have the credentials to access Computer 2, so I turned off Credential Manager. At that point the error msg. changed to “permissions”.
Any ideas as to what is causing this problem? I’ve attached is an image of the error message.
Thanks,
Judith

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Correction. Third paragraph, line 2 should read:

#2 (the Dell Inspiron) can also look in all #1 (the HP) subdirectories via Windows Explorer.

Thanks

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Jel, have you set up a share on computer 2?

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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RG: Not sure I understand exactly what you are asking. On computer 2 I do have numerous shares set up for computer 1 directories. I had to do this for AlwaySync, which I use to back up to and retrieve files from computer 1. On Computer 1 I have numerous shares set up also. These were used when I had an older computer (now defunct) on the network. Computer 1 had no problem accessing it. Can’t determine what makes this Dell different, other than the brand.

jel

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Jel,

Do both computers use the same UserId & Password?

I always set my computers up this way then when I create shares I set them for Authenticated Users. If you previously setup shares and didn’t have them set up this way you may need to revisit the shares and make sure the different userid has access.

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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RG; Both computers use the same UserId. Neither computer uses a password for login. Each uses the same Pin upon boot.

As for shares, I have them all set up for Administrators; Everyone; Guests.

jel

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You may have set up the shares but not granted permission to the folders / files.

Open Explorer and right click on one of the folders you have shared.
Select Properties > Sharing tab > Share.
Check the permission levels. Is the user with access the same as used on the other computer.

Check the same settings on the other computers.

cheers, Paul

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Thanks Paul, The answer to all is Yes. The permissions are the same, including the children folders.

jel

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Is IPV6 enabled on both computers?
Does access work if you use IP addresses instead of computer names?
Have you tried removing remote credentials on the PC that gives the error? (Use Credential Manager, press Win, type: credential)

cheers, Paul

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jel wrote:

Computer 1 can see the Computer 2 icon (using File Explorer) but cannot see or open any subdirectories when double-clicked. When I try to do so, the following message appears: “<i>Windows cannot access \\Dell-7591. Contact your network administrator to request access. </i>Followed by a link<i>: For more information about permissions see Windows Help and support</i>”

On Computer 2 which you can’t gain access to, disable the Firewall/security software and see if you gain access to those files. I had a similar problem with the same message. Disabled all security software and connection was made. Found that the security software which used its own firewall as part of the suite was blocking the access no matter what the share settings were. May not work for you, but worth a try.

HTH, Dana:))

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Thanks for replying, but that is one of the first things I tried. The only security s/w I have is ESET. Tried disabling that on both computers and the problem remained.

jel

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Thanks to all who submitted possible solutions. I found the culprit by accident: a printer. Don’t know why or how it caused the problem, but totally removing it from both systems and uninstalling all of it’s software enabled both computers to see each other and share files in both directions.

It was a Brother MFX-J835DW machine that I’ve used with no problems for the past 12 years on Computer #2. It was a real workhorse (Scanner, Fax, Copier, printer), connected via USB cable, and using the the latest Windows 10 drivers. No drivers were released for Win 11, so I assume the Win 10 S/W was deemed compatible with Win 11. The only problem I’ve had with it was never being able to set it up to work via LAN or Wireless Network as Brother says it should. I followed all directions exactly, multiple times, bought new cables etc., and finally gave up trying to put it on the network.

Because I really wanted a networked printer, I uninstalled it last week and bought a new one, due to arrive on the 10th. It’s also a Brother but a newer model which seems, per recent purchasers, to install easily and successfully to a network. It it doesn’t, it’ll be returned in a flash and I’ll go to another brand of home office multi-use printer. After uninstalling the old printer and rebooting, I immediately found my sharing problem had disappeared. Don’t know why getting rid of the printer fixed things, but it’s possible it’s drivers or S/W was interfering with sharing.

Thanks to all who tried to help.

jel

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