Cannot enable LAN file sharing (NOT USB/ReadySHARE) between Windows 7 PCs

[OliB]

I have two Windows 7 PCs connected to the LAN ports of a R6400v2. There is nothing in the USB port. The PCs are set up to view the LAN as a Work network, and shared folders are set up on each PC with full permissions for Everyone. Network discovery, file sharing, etc. are all enabled but the shared folders are not accessible in Windows Explorer on either PC, even though the full network maps in the Windows Network and Sharing Center show both PCs with their LAN IP and MAC addresses.

On the other hand, sharing works just fine if I replace the R6400v2 with an old DGL-4300, or with a simple unmanaged network switch, with unchanged settings on the two PCs. That seems to indicate that the problem is with the router, not the PCs. Router settings are factory default, firmware is updated to latest (V1.0.2.60_10.0.44).

Any idea what I'm missing? Thanks in advance for any clues.

[antinode · Accepted solution]

> [...] The PCs are set up to view the LAN as a Work network, [...]

   Is that true even after you start swapping routers?

[antinode · Accepted solution]

> [...] The PCs are set up to view the LAN as a Work network, [...]

   Is that true even after you start swapping routers?

[OliB]

Yes, it is. Windows will usually assume a new network as public, in which case sharing is off, but I am checking that and am manually setting it back to Work if needed, with sharing enabled.

[OliB]

antinode, your remark put me on the right track. Turns out my 3rd party firewall (Comodo) also maintains a concept of public vs private networks, and it had to be taught about the NETGEAR router as well, whereas it automatically accepted the unmanaged switch as a private network. Thanks for responding.