File Sharing between Windows 7 and XP

Hi,

I am trying to share files between and old home PC running XP, to a new PC running Windows 7. Both PC's are connected directly to a router via LAN cables. I am looking to transfer all the old files and documents to the new Windows 7 PC.

The Windows 7 PC currently shares files with other laptops (running Windows 7). I believe that I have setup up both PC for file sharing, but I am unable to see the other PC on either machine.

On the PC with XP, I can see under 'M Network Places', the folder and file structure that would like to share.

I have tested that the Internet connection via the router works on the XP (ensuring that all other connections are disconnected), and this works fine.

Can anyone provide some assistance as to how I can get these 2 machines talking?

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Have a look at this tutorial: File Sharing - Between XP and W7 (and vice versa)

seavixen32 said:

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Have a look at this tutorial: File Sharing - Between XP and W7 (and vice versa)

Hi,

I have gone through these steps and still no luck. I am wondering if the XP machine is communicating correctly with the router as I have never had to put in password etc before. Saying that though, it does access the internet.

Any further ideas?

Have a look here: Networking home computers running different versions of Windows

seavixen32 said:

Have a look here: Networking home computers running different versions of Windows

I have followed these directions already, and still no luck

What versions of XP and 7 are you running?

seavixen32 said:

Are you using a Homegroup or a Workgroup?

As you are trying to share files between Windows XP and Windows 7 you should be using a Workgroup.

This is really the key... that the all machines on the network should be in the same "workgroup" when you want to share drives, folders and files among all of them.

So, in WinXP and Win7 the workgroup definition is just a bit different cosmetically, but the result is the same. You will define the name of each computer uniquely but they will both be part of the same "workgroup".

For example, I have two machines on my home network, one called MDR and the other called DFW. The "workgroup" that they both live in is named "MDRLAN".

(1) The WinXP definition for the computer and workgroup is as follows (obtained by right-click on My Computer, select Properties, select "Computer Name" tab):



Push the "change" button to set both (a) the computer name, and (b) the workgroup name. You want the computer name to be unique from your other LAN machines, but the workgroup name should be identical for all LAN machines.

(2) Now go into Explorer on the XP machine and select the partition (i.e. drive letter) you want to make fully available to other machines on the network. Then right-click on the selected partition and then select "sharing and security" from the context menu (to get the "Properties" dialog):



(3) On the "Properties" dialog for the drive letter, check the "share this folder" radio button. Enter the drive letter as the "share name".



(4) On the "Properties" dialog for the drive letter, push the "Permissions" button (to get the "Share permissions for X" dialog):



To provide maximum access to ALL folders on this drive letter which you're now setting up the "share" for, you want to specify "FULL CONTROL" in the lower pane defining permissions.

In the upper pane, for maximum convenience and simplicity you should specify "EVERYONE"... assuming this works for you and you're really just trying to set up things so that you can get to any drive letter on any machine from any other machine, with no confusion or additional security requirements. In other words, it's your LAN, and your multiple machines, and you just want to be able to sit down at any machine under any Windows and get to any other machine's drives with no headache.

That's what "EVERYONE" is for, and that's exactly why you're putting all of your machines into the same workgroup and sharing all drives on all machines with "full control".

(5) If you don't see an "EVERYONE" you can add a definition for "EVERYONE" by pushing the ADD button. Type "EVERYONE" in the definition area and push the OK button.



Then when you come back to the permissions dialog, select EVERYONE and check the "FULL CONTROL" items.


OK your way back up the chain, and you've now just granted (a) full control to (b) EVERYONE on your workgroup, to have complete access of anything on this drive letter.

Rinse, repeat until done with all your drive letters.


Same story on the Win7 machine.