The specified network provider name is invalid ?

Hi costalot,

a. Was it working fine earlier?
b. Have you 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.

Note: Make sure to turn on or enable the Security Software once you are done with the test.

Also turn of the Firewall for the time being and check.

Note: Make sure to turn on the Firewall once you are done with the test.

Step 1: Follow this step to fix the issue:

1. Click Start->Click Control Panel.
2. Click System and Maintenance-> Click Administrative Tools.
3. Double-Click Local Security Policy.
4. In the left pane, click the triangle next to Local Policy.
5. In the left pane, click Security Options.
6. In the right pane near the bottom, double-click "Network security: LAN manager authentication level".
7. Click the drop-down box, and click "Send LM & NTLM responses". Click OK.

Step 2: 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

Additional information on:

Home sweet homegroup
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/home-sweet-homegroup-networking-the-easy-way

Regards,

Divya R – Microsoft Support.