Windows 7: Another XP and Windows 7 Question. Newbie.

Hi,
This thread is very similar to another one - but not quite the same.
I need some hand-holding since I'm new to this.

I have a Netgear (router and DSL modem) that I've used for about a year at home to access the Internet through DSL.
There are 3 other home computers that connect wirelessly and now I just connected a new computer with Windows 7 to the Netgear physically (wired).

I hope this is a simple question:
I have an older Dell running Windows XP connected to the network (wirelessly) and the new Dell with Windows 7 connected physically. Both have Internet access thru the router/modem.

I want to make the new Dell (Windows 7) accessible from the old Dell (XP) through the network.
Specifically, I want to make several folders (filesystem directories) on the new Windows 7 box network-accessible from the old (XP) box.

I know that I'll have to map the network drives (of the new computer) in Windows Explorer on the old computer once they are available. But what do I do on the new Windows 7 box to the folders network-accessible?

Can someone give step-by-step procedures?
Which box do I start on and what do I do?
Control Panel, network neighborhood, properties, etc?

Thanks,
Matt

Matt Hi and welcome

Noob you aren't. Nice post. well written and concise.

We need to find some info before we can put together a proccedure.

Are you using homegroup on the win 7 machine?

If you are you can make your life a lottle easier by changing from homegroup to the more familiar workgroup. Worgroup is more compatible with XP machines and in workgroup you can turn of IPv6, which is somewhat buggy.

Let us know and we can start working thri it. Its not that difficult


Ken J+

Thanks for the reply Ken.
On the Windows 7 install I did try to take advantage of homegroups even though it told me that it was for use between Windows 7 machines.

I know it's workgroup on the XP.
Should I check it or change it on the new Windows 7 box?

Thanks again,
Matt