Windows 7: WinXP can map but can't access Win7 drive on home network

Hi, all

My home network is as follows: I have a desktop running Windows 7 Pro 64-bit connected to my router via ethernet cable. It has two drives set to share on the home network. I have a Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit laptop (connected to the network wirelessly) that can currently access the two shared drives on the desktop ("access", as in can read, write, modify and delete files on the shared drives). I have them mapped as E: and F: drives in My Computer on the Windows 7 laptop.

The issue: I have a WinXP laptop (also accessing the network wirelessly) that I need to have the same access as the Windows 7 laptop. I was able to get the WinXP laptop to "see" the shared drives (also mapped as E: and F: drives in My Computer), but when I click on either of them on the WinXP laptop I get an error pop-up that says "E:\ is not accessible. Access is denied."

I have verified that the drive contents are fully accessible via the Windows 7 laptop.

What could I be missing that WinXP needs to be able to access those drives?

Thanks for anyone's help!

If you need complete access to the entire drive by Everyone on your network simply go into the Security tab of the drive and use the advanced sharing settings then enter Everyone in the open box when it comes up. Use the check marks for full access as required. This link shows you how> HDD sharing

There are certain risks involved with sharing the entire drive with Everyone on your network. You should know who has access to your own network and what that means. Though it is possible to allow for access by only certain people on the network, the process required for that is much more work and I don't really feel like going into the specifics right now. From a security stand point you would be better off sharing the entire USER folder if you need that sort of access.

And before anyone tells me this isn't a very safe way to share, I'm well aware of the risks involved but keep in mind I have warned the OP and I am giving the Op EXACTLY what they are asking for.

Also if your windows 7 computer is setup as home network this can also cause authentication issues when accessing a Windows 7 share from a windows xp machine. I suggest setting to work network.

Thank you for giving me EXACTLY what I asked for! I'm fully aware of the "risks".

And the link you provided did the trick.

Thanks again.

No problem and glad I could help.

You have no idea the number of trolls here LOL.