Problem with ipv6 connectivity and Homegroup

[drbb01]

I have a problem with ipv6 that I have not found elsewhere, so I am hoping someone has a good idea to follow.

I have wirelessly networked my laptop into my home network so that I can share files with a desktop that is connected to a FIOS router/modem. That works fine, and I have no problem accessing the internet. However, when I try to join the Homegroup I get an error that says I have "limited ipv6 connectivity." Windows 7 runs me through a troubleshooting procedure that finds no problem and leads me to the "Wireless Connection Status Window." When I click on "Properties," the ipv6 box is checked. However, when I click on "Details," only information about the ipv4 connection is provided; no information about ipv6 is listed.

The functional problem seems to be that without joining the Homegroup, I cannot access the printer attached to the desktop. Since other wireless Windows 7 users in the Homegroup can do so, my inability to get ipv6 connectivity keeps me from printing without going through time-consuming work-arounds like copying things to flash drives or uploading/downloading unnecessarily.

I contacted tech support, which offered to switch me to their printer specialists. This doesn't seem like a printer problem at all, but a Homegroup connectivity issue involving ipv6. Since I have little understanding of how this figures into my particular problem, any reasonable suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[HP_T3CH]

Hi,

Can you please give us the OS of the computers in your existing network?...

[drbb01]

All three are Windows 7. The desktop to which the printer is connected does not have a wireless connection. My laptop and the other--a netbook--does. The netbook has no problem printing, but the owner has not had an opportunity to show me the settings. I am hoping (which springs eternal...) that may provide a clue, but so far I am still scratching my head.

At this point, would it make sense to do anything with the desktop computer network-wise? When I map the network on my laptop, that desktop shows up as a discovered device that cannot be placed on the map. When I map the network from the desktop, the laptop has a nice clear path to the internet, but there is a "?" icon between the router and the desktop.

The meaning of this is beyond my understanding, but certainly consistent with having ipv4 connectivity (that's my internet access). Does this provide any clues about the ipv6 issue, either as a cause or an effect? Remember, the ipv6 setting on my wireless properties is checked.

I hope this provides better information. Thanks again for the help.