By George Norman
Added on 11 Nov 2009(1305 Views)



For Windows 7 users that have their computers linked over a network (home network for example), Microsoft has made it quite easy to share files, folders and printers. In this regard all you have to do is create a HomeGroup (a topic that we’ve covered in detail here). Once one Windows 7 user creates a HomeGroup, all the other Windows 7 users on the network can join the HomeGroup – as long as they provide the HomeGroup password.

The user that created the HomeGroup will provide the password. This password was displayed when the user created the HomeGroup; if said user did not write it down then, he can always view the HomeGroup password (another topic that we’ve covered in detail here) and pass it on. What would make things a lot easier is if the aforementioned user would change the HomeGroup password with something that is a little easier to remember than E6fQ9Uv3xR for example.

Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to change the HomeGroup password in Windows 7:

Step 1. Minimize all open windows. Better yet, close everything.

Step 2. Click the Start button, the Windows orb from the bottom left hand corner of the screen. Alternatively you could just press the Windows key on your keyboard (the one with the Microsoft logo on it).

Step 3. Click Control Panel from the Start Menu.

Step 4. In the search box type in homegroup -> now click HomeGroup.

Step 5. Under Other homegroup actions there’s a link that says Change the password. Click it.

Step 6. Windows 7 will provide a new HomeGroup password. You could go with that one, but then again you do want something that is easier to remember, don’t you? So type in a new password of your choosing.

Step 7. Click Change password and you’re done.

Tips and warnings
  • When the HomeGroup password is changed, all HomeGroup computers will be disconnected. They will have to rejoin the HomeGroup using the new password.
  • HomeGroup is a great feature; all Windows 7 versions can join a HomeGroup. But not all of them can create one. Windows 7 Starter and Windows 7 Home Basic users can only join a HomeGroup, they cannot create one.




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Tags: Microsoft, Windows 7, HomeGroup, Sharing

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