The specified network provider name is invalid and with that you can not connect to printer or other computers from your PC or laptop on the same home group.
The following Article will let you know how to troubleshoot the error message “The specified network provider name is invalid.”
But before you continue troubleshooting this error make sure that this worked for you earlier and you are facing the problem most recently. if it was not working fine for you from the beginning, then you need to know how to setup a HomeGroup. Watch the video below to know how to setup HomeGroup In Windows 7.
If you are sure that HomeGroup worked for you in the past and it is not working right now, then another reason is that you might have installed any Security Software on your computer. If yes, disable the Security Software for the time being and check if you are able to login. Also turn off the Firewall for the time being and check.
Make sure to turn on or enable the Security Software once you are done with the test. And also make sure to turn on the Firewall once you are done with the test.
Troubleshooting HomeGroup In Windows: Follow this step to fix the issue:
- Click Start->Click Control Panel.
- Click System and Maintenance-> Click Administrative Tools.
- Double-Click Local Security Policy.
- In the left pane, click the triangle next to Local Policy.
- In the left pane, click Security Options.
- In the right pane near the bottom, double-click "Network security: LAN manager authentication level".
- Click the drop-down box, and click "Send LM & NTLM responses". Click OK.
If you still face problem in connecting to your HomeGroup Machines, then you need to Run the HomeGroup Troubleshooter and check if it fixes the issue.
If your computer is having problems viewing computers or shared files in your HomeGroup, try using the HomeGroup troubleshooter to fix the problem. It makes sure that your computer's different network services are running correctly, and that your computer is a member of a HomeGroup.
Refer this link to open the HomeGroup Troubleshooter: Open the HomeGroup troubleshooter
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Open-the-HomeGroup-troubleshooter