For anyone having trouble, here's how to connect devices over LAN :
I'm using these devices:
1-Windows 7
2-Windows 8
3-Multiple Android Devices
-You might not be using the same devices as I am but read anyway, I've added general information to whatever method you're using.
Windows side
STEP 1 -- Go to 'Network and Sharing Center' (NSC from now on) > 'Advanced Sharing Settings' > check these:
Network discovery (ON)
File and printer sharing (ON)
Public folder sharing (I don't use public folders but I turned it on)
Media streaming (Your Call)
I think it's used to share the media you choose from the libraries you choose with other people, click on the link to control what to be shared. I found it to useless and turned it off eventually
File sharing connections (First option recommended)
Encryption settings, look into this if you're using older devices that might not be able to handle sophisticated encryption methods
Password protected sharing (Your Call)
HomeGroup connections (
Experiment with this one if you're using XP or Vista, I chose the first/recommended option)
STEP 2 -- All of your devices should be connected with each other, be it using a Router, or a Crossover cable,...etc
I didn't use a Crossover cable, but I think this is how it goes (Might Be Wrong).
When using a cable you must assign an IP address to your computers manually. To do so:
Go to NSC > 'Advanced Sharing Settings' > 'Local Area Connection', right click it and go to Properties and choose "Internet Protocol Version 4", click Properties. Choose 'Use the following IP address' and enter an IP address like 192.168.1.10
Do the same for the other computer but choose another a different ending like this 192.168.1.11
I'm not sure about the other parameters though, sorry.
Click on "Validate settings upon exit" to check if the address you used is already used inside the network.
Because I'm using a Wireless router with DHCP*, IP addresses for each device are automatically chosen by the router so I didn't have to go through all this.
*DHCP means that the router will handle assigning IP addresses to devices connected to it.
STEP 3 -- Go to 'Network' (from 'Computer' Left-side panel), devices connected to your LAN will show up here.
If you turned on Media Streaming from STEP 1, they will also show up here.
---- That's it ----
Your devices are connected. Technically, when you try to play a LAN multiplayer game now, it should work.
Now if you want to share folders between computers continue to STEP 4.
STEP 4 -- Go to the folder that you want to share and right click on it, and go to Properties.
In the Sharing tab, click on 'Share' and from the drop-down menu choose 'Everyone'. Pay attention to the permissions you choose, 'Read' only allows other users to view the files, 'Read and Write' also allows users to modify and delete files. Click 'Share'.
If you want more control, also from the Sharing tab, click 'Advanced Sharing', make sure the top checkbox is ticked and then choose whatever options you like.
Note: I'm not sure if I don't understand well, or if it's a bug, but sometimes the checkbox in the Advanced Sharing window isn't checked after I share from the "simple" sharing dialog.
Now in 'Network', you should be able to access the folder you shared from the other computer.
Android Side
On Android, AFAIK you can only access files on other computers but computers can't access files on Android.
Android devices can only be connected to LAN via WiFi (unless you find an Android device with an RJ-45 port !!), so the computer you want to access also has to be connected to the same WiFi Network.
Install ES File Explorer App, and press the top-left button (Globe), choose 'Network' and click on LAN.
From the Bottom Bar of button, click on Scan. Your computer should show up, click on it. Since I'm not using a password on my PC I get access to shared folders immediately, but if your using a password, you're going to be asked to enter it first.
And once again, we're done
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