Solve network problems, connection between PC and file sharing

The network topic is perhaps the most complex one in computer science together with the security chapter. To imagine a computer network, you can think of a group of computers connected together by cables to exchange data and share resources, with a router that catalogs them, identifies them and acts as a door to go outside. What can we do when suddenly the network or one of its elements stops working "> Troubleshoot Internet and network connection problems on your PC

How to troubleshoot network software problems

To start we can try to change some network settings within the operating system, so as to make it "visible" and functional to other devices on the same network again.

1. Checking network shares : on Windows 10 let's go to the path Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center and click on Change advanced sharing settings . From here we select the type of network to which we are connected and put a check mark on the items Activate network detection, Activate the automatic configuration of the devices connected to the network and Activate file and printer sharing . Finally, go to the All networks section and activate the items Use 128-bit encryption, Turn off password protected sharing (to facilitate access to shared folders) and finally on Turn on sharing to allow reading and writing of files public folders to all users with network access .
2. Checking Workgroup settings : to connect all the computers and devices to each other, we will have to check on each device if they are configured to work in the same workgroup. The workgroup name must be exactly the same on each computer, even if it is case sensitive.
   The working group can be set by going to Control Panel -> System and clicking on View computer name and on Change settings (next to Computer name ).
   On PCs with Windows the default workgroup is WORKGROUP. If the name is different or is not present at all, make sure it is entered as shown above then restart the PC for the changes to take effect.
3. Permissions to shared folders : In the computer resources we find the Network section, where we can find all the folders that we have shared with the network and all the other visible PCs. If any other computer has problems accessing our files, we will have to change the permissions of the shared folder, by right-clicking on the folder, selecting Properties, going to the Sharing tab and clicking Share . In the new window we click on the text field at the top and type Everyone, then we click Add and we set read permissions or read and write permissions for the Everyone user at the bottom. We click on Share to correct the permissions and permissions of the shared folder. In this regard, we can deepen the topic by reading the guide on How to share folders on a private network on Windows 10 .
4. Correct the IP addresses and the Subnet Mask address : You should not have this problem if all the computers are connected to the same router, but it is still better to check for IP problems. We will have to make sure that the Subnet Mask and the default Gateway are the same for all computers. If these are not the same, you are having trouble connecting computers on the network. You can view this information by opening the Start menu, looking for Command Prompt and, inside it, writing ipconfig / all. If something does not coincide, we continue reading in the guide Set a fixed and static IP on Windows PC to solve the problem.
5. Check local security policy : Another reason why you might not be able to access another computer over the network is because of local security policies.
   These can be seen by opening the Start menu and looking for Administrative Tools, then taking us to the path Local Security Policy -> Local Policies -> Security Options .
   From here, we must look for the following criterion: Network access: do not allow anonymous enumeration of SAM accounts and shares ; after finding this criterion, make sure the value is set to Disabled .
   Also, be sure to turn off only the setting that says " SAM accounts and shares " and not the one that only says " SAM accounts ".
6. Check the Windows firewall: the Windows firewall may also prevent communication between the PCs on the network. If we do not know which modification or rule blocks file sharing, we can quickly restore the Windows firewall to its original settings by opening the Start menu, searching for Windows Defender Firewall with advanced security and, in the new window, clicking on Restore default policy (on the right side window).
7. Eliminate the COM protections between the PCs on the network : here we go a little on the technician and I don't think it is necessary, but I mention it because it is explained step by step in another article and, if you get this far, it has not yet been resolved, there may be this problem.

How to troubleshoot hardware networking problems

We tried them all but the connection problem is not solved? Perhaps the problem is of a hardware nature and concerns the modem, router or cables used for the connection.

1. Ethernet cables: problems are often caused by poor or damaged Ethernet cables, which therefore prevents the use of the connection and access to shared resources. We can replace worn and old cables with high quality cables, such as the one available here -> UGREEN Cat 7 Ethernet cable (various lengths, starting from € 7).
2. Ethernet Switch : if we have owned a switch for a long time, perhaps it is appropriate to change it to a newer and more efficient one, such as the one available here -> TP-Link TL-SG108 8-Port Gigabit Switch (€ 22).
3. Additional Ethernet network card : if it is the computer's Ethernet port that is causing problems, we can replace it with an internal component such as the one offered here -> UGREEN 1000 Mbps Full Duplex Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express Network Card with RJ45 port (€ 12).
4. Router : if even the router makes tantrums or suddenly restarts, we can consider a new router by choosing among those available in our guide to Which Wifi Router to buy for the wireless network .

READ ALSO: Solutions for wifi and router connection problems

Conclusions

By carefully following all the instructions and recommendations in this guide, you will brilliantly solve all the problems of connecting between PCs and sharing folders within a home or corporate LAN.
In another article we have collected several diagnostic programs, tests and checks on internet connections, to be used only if the suggestions proposed have not solved the network problem.
In other guides we can finally find:
- How to create a home network with Windows (folders, printers, files etc.)
- Create a LAN computer network at home or in the office