Trouble Networking Windows XP Home with Windows 7

I am having a problem similar to what somebody else has posted here in the past. I have Windows XP Home on my Desktop and Windows 7 on the laptop. I have them both networked. I am able to view shared Desktop folders from the Windows 7 laptop with no problems, but when I try to view the shared laptop folders from the XP Desktop, it keeps telling me to type in a username and password. On the Windows 7 laptop, I have it set in the Network and Sharing Center to not require a password. I originally had it set up as a homegroup, then changed it to a workgroup on the laptop, but the same thing happens. I also changed the Computer Name on the laptop, but I still have to type in a username and password on the XP Desktop. Once I enter the username and password, I can freely access the laptop. But once I restart either machine, however, I then have to type the username and password on the Desktop again.

Can anybody assist me with this matter?

Thanks.

Hi there,

Make sure you follow all the instructions on this page exactly as written: Networking home computers running different versions of Windows

In regard to the password prompt, it sounds like you have 'Password protected sharing' enabled on your Windows 7 machine. While this is the recommended configuration, turning it off should allow you to access the shared folders without being prompted for a password every time.

Let me know if this solution works for you. Good luck!

Cheers,

Walker
Windows Outreach Team

EDIT: 'Password protected sharing' can be accessed in Windows 7 by going to Start menu -> Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center -> Change advanced settings

Almost forgot! To remove the password prompt, you also need to make sure that both user accounts (one on each computer) have the same username, the same password, and the same administrative status. Try that and let me know...

Walker
Windows Outreach Team

Yes, having the same username and password on each machine did it. I did not have a password enabled in Windows 7. Also, contrary to popular opinion, it will network fine with XP as a Home network; it is not necessary to set it up as a Work network.

Also, I learned that you can autologon with the password in Windows 7 to avoid having to type it each time you restart by going to the Run command, and entering "control userpasswords2" (without quotes).

Thanks again.

I'm glad it's working for you now! Thanks for the tips re: Home/Work network and autologin. Enjoy your new workgroup :) let us know if you need any further assistance.

Cheers,

Walker
Windows Outreach Team