Network Computers Displaying In File Explorer

In brief, I had a new Windows 11 computer built using an image from a Windows 10 machine and then loading Windows 11 on it. The cloning or creating from the image put all my apps onto the new machine. I wanted to keep the Old Computer in my network so I had the new machine named with a different name. All my computers are supposed to show up when I open File Explorer under the network folder. Over all, this is the case.

I found that the new computer had a lot of Registry entries still showing the Old Computer's name so I renamed them all to the New Computer's name. If I leave the Old Computer off with the New Computer on, it will display in File Explorer. However, if the Old Computer is on, it will display in the File Explorer but the New Computer's name will not. Please see that attachment. It shows the Old Computer's name, which is partially blacked out but the New Computer's name is not displayed.

If I open an instance of File Explorer without the Old Computer being on, as mentioned, the New Computer's name will be displayed. Leaving that instance of File explorer open and then turning on the Old Computer will display both the Old and New Computers' names in that instance of the opened File Explorer. However, if I close that instance and open a new instance of File explorer, only the Old Computer's name will be displayed.

I believe all shares and permissions are set as they should be, so I can't think of anything else to do. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get both the Old and new Computers' names to display in File Explorer?

You are doing things the hard way. I think you would have saved yourself a lot of grief by doing a clean install of Windows 11 on the new computer. You did buy Windows 11 key for your new computer didn't you? You could use a Windows 10 key but it can't be currently used on another computer.

After that doing Windows update until there is no more of them. You should also check the Device Manager to see if you need any device specific updates. Only then install any apps you want on it. When you get the new computer on your network you can copy any data you want from your old computer.

MisterEd said:

You are doing things the hard way. I think you would have saved yourself a lot of grief by doing a clean install of Windows 11 on the new computer. You did buy Windows 11 key for your new computer didn't you? You could use a Windows 10 key but it can't be currently used on another computer.

After that doing Windows update until there is no more of them. You should also check the Device Manager to see if you need any device specific updates. Only then install any apps you want on it. When you get the new computer on your network you can copy any data you want from your old computer.

Click to expand...

OH, I know there was a much easier way to order a new computer but that is water under the bridge now. I did all this on purpose trying to preserve a program I purchased that can no longer be activated on a new computer because the company went out of business. I have everything all legal as far as any licenses are concerned. It is now my task, hopefully with some help and guidance, to get this problem figured out and corrected. I would even pay Microsoft for support, like I have done in the past, if I thought they could help. Sadly, I do not have that much confidence in them to solve this problem. They have failed me before. Hopefully someone here can help.