Windows 7: Sharing File Access - WinXP and Win7

Hi there - great forum!

I'm sorry if this has been asked before but I haven't managed to find out the solution from existing threads or tutorials.

I have WinXP on my desktop (let's call it DESKTOP) and Windows 7 on my laptop (let's call it LAPTOP). I have given both machines a workgroup name (let's call it HOME).

So, I connected LAPTOP to the same router as DESKTOP and, hey presto, I have internet access on both. So far, so good!

Due to luck or skill, not sure which, I am able to access any LAPTOP files I mark as shared on my DESKTOP. However, I can't seem to connect to my DESKTOP from my LAPTOP. So, I can see stuff from the Windows 7 machine on my WinXP machine but not the other way around.



As my username suggests, I'm not very technical so any simple guidance will be very gratefully received

Hello SillyGirl, welcome. Here's a link for you....

Sharing and Permissions

Hi there - thanks for the link.

I'm trying to share my WinXP files though so right clicking on the folder and selecting properties only brings up 3 tabs (General, Sharing, Customize). Under the 'sharing' tab I have ticked 'share this folder on the network' and given it the same share name as the folder name.

Then I go into my Windows 7 system and click on 'Network' and it only brings up Computer, Media Devices, Network Infrastructure (i.e. my router).

Hope that makes sense!

Update: My Windows 7 machine can now see my WinXP machine now that I've turned off 'password protected sharing'

Alas, when I click on it, I am told: Windows cannot access \\DESKTOP (my XP machine)

SillyGirl; I found this link to a similar discussion from a while back. Even if this does not solve your issue, perhaps it will lead you to a solution?

Sharing permissions problem

Also at the very bottom of the page are some links to other threads that might be helpful.

Cheers!
Robert

Thanks Robert - I'll have a read of these and play around a little

Solved at last!

Disabling all firewalls except my router firewall did the trick.

Great! Glad you found a solution.

Happy surfing!
Robert