Low file transfer rate over Lan (between win7+xp)

Hi all. :)

As the title suggests I am struggling with my file transfer rate.
I'm hoping the answer is something obvious that hopefully I have missed but i will explain further.


I have 2 PC's linked directly in a LAN.
PC1 is running Windows 7 Home Premium - 64bit
PC2 is running Windows XP Home Edition - Service Pack 3



Both computers have the same Workgroup
PC2 has 2x Hard drives, one of which I have set up as a "Shared" hard drive.
PC1 I have changed in 'Advanced sharing settings' - network discovery/public folder sharing/file and printer sharing turned on.
Also ‘File sharing connections’ is on ‘Enable file sharing for devices…..’
And I have turned off password protected sharing.

Those settings are for both ‘Home or Work’ and ‘Public’


I can’t figure out why I have such slow file transfer rates, if anyone can help I would really REALLY appreciate it. I have been looking all over the net for a solution but can’t find one.

Please and thanks for any and all help.
(If you need any further info I will be happy to give it, I’m not the most technical person but I will try my best XD )

is this a common problem, ive been searching the net, seems other people have the same or similar problem but it doesnt look like there are any solutions.