Multi-User

This error typically occurs when your computer cannot resolve the remote computer's hostname over the local network via NetBIOS/DNS, or if network discovery is turned off.

Instead of searching by the computer name, the most reliable workaround is to use the **IP address** of the target computer, or to grant access to **"Everyone"** on the folder and rely on local user credentials instead.

Here are the standard alternative ways to share the folder successfully.

### Method 1: Share using the local IP Address (Most Reliable)

1. **Find the Target Computer's IP Address:**
On the computer you are trying to connect to (the host machine), press **Windows Key + R**, type `cmd`, and press Enter. Type `ipconfig` and hit Enter. Look for the **IPv4 Address** (e.g., `192.168.1.15`).

2. **Connect via IP Address from the Client PC:**
On your primary computer, press **Windows Key + R** to open the Run box. Type `\\` followed by the IP address (e.g., `\\192.168.1.15`) and press **Enter**.

3. **Verify the Connection:**
A window should open displaying the shared folders on that computer, bypassing the need to search for the hostname.

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### Method 2: Adjust Folder Permissions for "Everyone"

If you are trying to add a user account directly through the **Properties > Sharing > Share...** menu on the host machine and it fails to find the account, set permissions using Advanced Sharing instead:

1. **Open Advanced Sharing:**
Right-click the folder you want to share, select **Properties**, go to the **Sharing** tab, and click **Advanced Sharing...**.

2. **Set Permissions:**
Check **Share this folder**, then click the **Permissions** button below it.

3. **Add 'Everyone' Group:**
Click **Add...**, type `Everyone` into the object names box, click **Check Names**, and click **OK**. Select **Full Control** or **Read/Change** permissions as needed, then click **Apply** and **OK**.

4. **Verify Sharing Status:**
The folder will now show as shared under the **Sharing** tab in Properties. Anyone on your local network will be able to access the share using their login credentials on that PC.

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### Additional Network Setup Verification

If you still cannot discover the PC:

1. Ensure **Network Discovery** and **File and Printer Sharing** are turned ON on both computers (*Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings*).
2. Ensure both computers are set to a **Private Network** profile rather than Public.

Hope any of them works.