Windows 7: Networking between Windows 7 & Vista. Is it Possible??

I've been wondering if it's at all possible to network 2 machines, 1 running Windows 7 (build 7057) and the other, Vista??

Also, is it possible to create a network connection over long distance??

E.g. We live a few miles from my girlfriend's Mum & would like to network ours & her laptop if it's possible.

Any help would be great

Hi Orbital Shark,

Yes the networking of Windows 7 and Vista is fully supported if you go to the network and sharing centre in windows 7 and choose Advanced networking (do not set up a Homegroup as this is windows 7 only), and either follow the instructions to join an existing network or to create a new home network.

As for your remote network the best way would probably be a "Virtual Private Network" or VPN, which uses the internet to bridge the gap between the locations.

Have a look Here ...

Welcome to OpenVPN

Thanks Barman58 i'll give it a try

I have similar problem in that I have a newly installed Windows 7 on the main computer with Vista on a Laptop using a wireless connection. This is all in my own home so security is not a problem. I can see the network drives on both computers but I cannot access the files, however I can print to the main printer via the wireless network. I presume you mean the ' Advanced sharing Settings' but I cannot find anything that is useful there. I'm Administrator for both computers and I think I've configured each drive to share, but still no joy!!

The major difference between Advance networking which is the requirement in Windows 7 and the standard networking used previously is that there are two levels of security that are required.

You have to allow access to the shares using Sharing permissions as previously, but you also need to have correct permissions at the NTFS security level. There is a button on the advanced sharing dialogue to specifically add these permissions to the share. but they may be added manually to all or part if greater control is needed of folders and files.

While the administrator part of a users rights will allow access due to the presence of the UAC it is often required to add specific access rights for the individual users as this will permit access in a non elevated state.

This presumes of course that the same user name is present on both machines otherwise you will be prompted for credentials each time you try to access a share

I'm getting down to the 'tearing Hair Out Stage' I read your answer very carefully and I've looked at the advanced options and I've also changed the name as admnistrator on both computers to be the same for both. Both are also password accessed using the same password. I've also gone to each file I wanted to share and given them permissions to share. I can see the whole network on both computers, but when I try to access I get the following screen:

'You do not have permission to access \\Sandra\c. Contact your Network Adminisrator to request access.'

This has become really frustrating!!!

Go physically to the computer you want to share from.

Open Windows Explorer (Computer). Click organize at top left, then folder and search options. View tab. Scroll to bottom in advanced settings pane. Uncheck the box for Use Sharing Wizard (Recommended). Hit ok.

Go to the folder or drive you want to share. Rt click, choose properties. Sharing tab. Advanced sharing. Click the box for share this folder. Enter a name. Put a $ at the end if you want it hidden on the network. Limit the users to the amount of other computers you have. Hit permissions. Click add.
Type everyone. Give full control if you want or leave only read access if you want. Ok your way out.

Now go on machine you want to access with and map your shares.

On any machine, you may open a command prompt and type net view then hit enter to see unhidden shares on the network. Or you can use the net share command to see what you are sharing. Complete drives are shared as default and hidden with the drive letter name and $. i.e. C:\ = C$

In network and sharing center, click change advanced sharing settings near top left. Click the dropdown arrow for the type of network you previously had set it as. Make sure turn on password protected sharing is on. Also turn on file and print sharing if it is not. You want 128 bit encryption.

Jeff,

TeamViewer is a great free program for remote over the internet.

I have set up a two way remote between 2 computers that way


" Doc "

Yes, but not necessarily completely true. You can set Windows to remember the credentials if they're different upon mapping a remote share. Just check the boxes for connect using different credentials AND reconnect at logon.

Very cool. It reminds me of a Dameware type of app, which I used to put to good use every now and then. Think X-Scan in conjunction lol.