Sudden Network Problems

Three computers (one Windows 7, two Windows 10) are on a home network; both Windows 10 computers are on 1803. Until today, all could share one printer connected to the Windows 7 computer and could share files from/to a public folder on one of the other computers. This is file and printer sharing, no passwords are used.

Today, I installed the latest Cumulative Update (KB4480966) on for one of the Windows 10 computers. I am not claiming that the update is the cause of the problems. Now, the networking is all screwed up.

1) Both Windows 10 computers can see the Windows 7 computer, but can not connect (share a file) to it. Both get an error message box, "Windows cannot access \\COMPUTER; there might be a problem with your network".
The "Diagnose" does not find the problem.
2) When I try to connect the Windows 7 computer to one of the Windows 10 computers, an error message saying "Enter Network Password" appears. But never before have I been asked for such a password. The Windows 7 computer will connect to the other Windows 10 computer.

Where do I begin to find a solution? Frankly, I have NEVER understood networking, even just a home network. Help!

When it asks for a password it needs to be a username and password on the pc your connecting to. try accessing the pc you cant connect to by ip not name.

None of the computers have been set up to require passwords on the home network, so I don't get why it's asking for a password now.

My questions were sort of rambling in my original post. Specifically, the Windows 10 computer that I did the recent cumulative update on will not print to a printer connected to the Windows 7 computer; it did before the update. The other Windows 10 computer - that did not yet get the recent cumulative update - will print to that same printer connected to the Windows 7 computer. What can I do?

You are using workgroup not homegroup as that has been removed. Windows isnt keen on having no passwords so any security update tends to set ti back as needing one

I have very carefully followed the tutorial "How to Share Files and Folders Over a Network in Windows 10" while signed on as an administrator and have restored network function. However, when I sign on as a non-administrator, network function is not working. I have not found any difference in settings between the administrative and non-administrative sign ons, but obviously something is different.

What should I look for?

Look at this article

Microsofts latest cumulative update is causing network issues on some Windows 7 PCs - MSPoweruser

Railtech, Thank You!!

I uninstalled Windows 7 update (KB4480970) and after re-boot my network was again working as it should. I really appreciate you taking time to tell me of this issue.

I'd thought that Microsoft understood Windows 7 well enough that none of their updates to 7 would break anything, but I was wrong.

Your welcome.

Seems that MS is quite good at trashing things with updates as of late. They are fairly good at fixing them in an expedient manner though. :)

abacus said:

Railtech, Thank You!!

I uninstalled Windows 7 update (KB4480970) and after re-boot my network was again working as it should. I really appreciate you taking time to tell me of this issue.

I'd thought that Microsoft understood Windows 7 well enough that none of their updates to 7 would break anything, but I was wrong.

I had the same problem with my network where I have a Win 7 PC (A7), a Win 8.1 PC (L8.1) and a new Win10 PC (L10). The latter is new as the Win 7 one is getting very cranky and did in fact crash, although now recovered. This is my first install of Win 10 so I am very new at it..

Of the six possible paths the one from L10 trying to access A7 had no access. I tried all sorts of searches and eventually came across the article you found. With great trepidation I uninstalled KB4480970 and restarted A7 - it was very slow to close and reboot and when I looked at the Windows Explorer and clicked on Network I had time for a coffee before it suddenly came up with the three paths. And, they now all worked in every combination

Of course, Update now tells me I have an important update to install - KB4480970 naturally.

My question is, do I install it? Once bitten, twice shy

Tony

I would wait until MS fixes the update first. It could take awhile.