Introduction to Windows 7. Appendix H: Windows 7 HomeGroup

Transcription

1 Introduction to Windows 7 Appendix H: Windows 7 HomeGroup Introduction to Windows 7 [1] 04/14/2010

2 This page intentionally left blank. Introduction to Windows 7 [2] 04/14/2010

3 Windows 7 Networking with Homegroup By Dan Feinberg In Windows 7 Microsoft has introduced to the networking arena the concept of a homegroup. This is a method by which computers on a network can easily share files, Libraries and printers using a single password. The concept is that once you join a homegroup the password is the key to automatically setting up the connections for sharing preselected data. Permission is not required for each shared source. It has one disadvantage; computers on the homegroup must be using Windows 7. Computers with earlier operating systems, such as Vista or Xp, can not join the homegroup. One of the computers must be designated as the primary computer and defines the available homegroup. All other computers connected to your network, using the password, will have the ability to join the homegroup. Activating Homegroup Connections By default, homegroup networking should be turned on in Windows 7. If you upgraded your installation you should verify that homegroup is active as follows: Open the Control panel and click on Network and Sharing Center. 1) In the left pane click on Change advanced sharing settings. 2) Open the Home or Work profile by clicking the arrow head on the right (may already be open), Figure 1. Figure 1 Advanced sharing settings Introduction to Windows 7 [3] 04/14/2010

4 3) Scroll to the bottom of the window. Under Homegroup connections select Allow Windows to manage, Figure 2.. Figure 2 Homegroup connections 4) Click Save Changes. You are asked to log off. Click Log Off Now. 5) You have to make these settings on all the computers in the network. When you log back on you will be ready to create a homegroup. Creating a Homegroup With all of the computers in your network set for homegroup networking select one of them to create the homegroup as follows: 1) Click Start and in the search window type homegroup. In the pop-up window click Create a homegroup. The create homegroup wizard appears, Figure 3. 2) Click the check box in front each type of file you want to share. By default several are already checked and you may want to uncheck some of them. Click Next. The password to the homegroup appears, Figure 4. 3) Make a copy of the password or click on Print password and instructions then Print the page. Note that the password is case sensitive. 4) Click Finish. For now cancel the next window. Introduction to Windows 7 [4] 04/14/2010

5 Now that you have created a homegroup the next step is to arrange for all the other computers to quote join the homegroup. Figure 3 Share settings Joining a Homegroup Figure 4 Homegroup Password Introduction to Windows 7 [5] 04/14/2010

6 Having created a homegroup on one computer move on to the next computer and do the following: 1) Have a copy of the homegroup password available. Click Start. In the search box type homegroup and press Enter. 2) In the next window click Join now, Figure 5. Doing so will take you directly to the homegroup settings page. If the option, Join now, is not available it means you have already joined or a homegroup has not been created. 3) In the settings window you have to select what type files you want to share by clicking on the check boxes, Figure 3. Click Next. You will be prompted for the password. Figure 5 Join Homegroup Introduction to Windows 7 [6] 04/14/2010

7 Figure 6 Password screen 4) Type the password, Figure 6. Remember it is case sensitive. If you make a mistake you will be alerted that you re entered the wrong password. Click next. 5) In the next two pop-up windows click Finish and cancel. Exploring the Homegroup You can determine which computers are in your homegroup and access their shared folders/files by opening the Windows Explorer and clicking Homegroups in the navigation pane. An icon representing each computer will appear in the left pane. Computers that are off or asleep will not appear. Opening the icon will show what resources are shared by that computer. To access files/folders on another Homegroup Computer proceed as follows: 1) While holding the Windows key down quickly tap the e key on the keyboard. The Windows Explorer will open. 2) In the navigation pane (left pane), Under Homegroup, click the user name (there may also be a computer name) of the person whose computer you want to access. 3) In the left pane will appear the libraries and folders that user is willing to share, Figure 7. Double- click the library or folder you want access to. Introduction to Windows 7 [7] 04/14/2010

8 User and computer name Figure 7 Windows Explorer If there is a folder in another member s library which you refer to frequently you can arrange for quick access to that folder by including it in your own library as follows: 1) Follow steps 1& 2 from above. 2) In the left pane double- click the library that contains the folder you want to include in your library. The folder should now be visible in the left pane. 3) Make sure the library you are going to add to is visible in the navigation pane. 4) Right-click drag the folder from the left pane to your selected library in the navigation pane. In the pop-up menu select Copy. If you ever forget your homegroup password you can get it by clicking on homegroup in Control Panel, from any computer that is part of the homegroup, and In the ensuing homegroup window click on View or print the homegroup password. If you want to leave a Homegroup go to the homegroup window as above, scroll down to and click Leave the homegroup If everyone leaves a Homegroup, it will no longer exist. Shared data is not secured. Anyone connected to the network has access to your shared data. Check Help and Support for additional information. Introduction to Windows 7 [8] 04/14/2010

9 Introduction to Windows 7 [9] 04/14/2010