How to Troubleshoot File and Printer Sharing from the Server

To troubleshoot file and printer sharing from a server running Windows 7 that is sharing the folder or printer, follow these steps:

1. Verify that the folder or printer is shared. Right-click the object and then click Sharing. If it does not indicate that the object is already shared, share the object and then attempt to connect from the client.
2. If you are sharing a folder and it is not already shared, right-click the folder and click Share. In the File Sharing Wizard, click Change Sharing Permissions. If the File Sharing Wizard does not appear, the Server service is not running. Continue with the next step. Otherwise, verify that the user account attempting to connect to the share appears on the list or that the user account is a member of a group that appears on the list. If the account is not on the list, add it to the list. Click Share and then click Done.
3. Verify that the Server service is running. The Server service should be started and set to start automatically for file and printer sharing to work.
4. Verify that users have the necessary permission to access the resources. Right-click the object and then click Properties. In the Properties dialog box, click the Security tab. Verify that the user account attempting to connect to the share appears on the list, or that the user account is a member of a group that appears on the list. If the account is not on the list, add it to the list.
5. Check the Windows Firewall exceptions to verify that it is configured properly by following these steps:
   • Click Start and then click Control Panel.
   • Click Security and then click Windows Firewall.
   • In the Windows Firewall dialog box, note the Network Location. Click Change Settings.
   • In the Windows Firewall Settings dialog box, click the Exceptions tab. Verify that the File And Printer Sharing check box is selected.
   • If the File And Printer Sharing exception is enabled, it applies only for the current network profile. For example, if Windows Firewall indicated your Network Location was Domain Network, you might not have the File And Printer Sharing exception enabled when connected to private or public networks. Additionally, Windows Firewall will, by default, allow file and printer sharing traffic from the local network only when connected to a private or public network.