Can't see XP Machine in Windows 7

What about mapping network drives as an alternate solution? Instead of clicking on the computer you only have to type its hostname like \\hostname

At least this is how it works for me.

The network drives is an IDEA. It's not the solution I would like but if it works it will be something I can use until I figure a better way. Let me see how it works. Only thing I can remember I hated about network drives is that if the machine that the network drive was linked to was not on... you got an annoying alert at startup that said... could not connect to device...

Yeah this whole situation is pretty annoying.

My XP machine can see Windows 7 just fine, without any additional software. But I hesitate to install some extra bloat on my XP machine just so Windows 7 will work...

Thanks for the tip. The network drive will work. I did confirm that I get two annoying things with it. First thing is the startup will take 5 times longer than normal if the machin the drive is connected to is NOT turned on. Second is that I get that freaking alert that the device is not connected to the drive. Is there a way to KEEP my shortcut to the internet drive w/o reconnecting the network drive at start?? PLEASE.

You can make a shortcut to the network drive on your desktop or somewhere else that you prefer. Just right-click and go New Shortcut then type in \\hostname\share

sup3rsprt said:

You can make a shortcut to the network drive on your desktop or somewhere else that you prefer. Just right-click and go New Shortcut then type in \\hostname\share

hey
thanks for sticking in . I tried to PM you but obviously its turned off and visitor messages as well

anyway nice answers and peristance

Ken

Thanks zigzag3143,

Now this is strange. I was just messing around with XP and Windows 7 and I was actually able to get my XP computer to show up in Windows 7 without installing that LLTD or whatever it's called.

I made sure both computers were in the same workgroup. I ran the Network Setup wizard on the XP machine. I used a program called "TuneUp Utilities", in the "Network" section I reset everything to defaults.

Why it is working now, I have yet to actually figure that out.

Maybe you can try some of that stuff and see if it works for you.

Also, I have simple file sharing disabled on my XP box (My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > View > disable Simple file sharing) because this requires me to log in using a username and password.

zigzag3143 said:

hey
thanks for sticking in . I tried to PM you but obviously its turned off and visitor messages as well

anyway nice answers and peristance

Ken

Sorry, I quickly sent a PM response to yours and I was too flustrated at that point to continue. I want to thank EVERYONE for there help. I actually went with "sup3rsprt" solution to make a shortcut on my desktop. It seems to work very nice and not need an auto connect at startup!

I would like to get it working properly to show XP machines but for now... There is nothing wrong with having a shortcut on my desktop to the shared folder :) I was tickled that I even was able to password protect the shared folder in XP by using the same old trick of password protecting the "Guest" Account on the XP machine. :)

Now... I just wonder if using a network printer in the future will be a problem

Thanks sooo much guys. Your help and solutions made my day!!

You're welcome :) I'm glad it works for you.

If I ever figure out what fixed it, I'll let you know. I've been using Windows for years and never really did figure out exactly how to deal with this file sharing mess. I have a bunch of programs and scripts that I use in my environment, but they probably won't suit yours very well.

Jopplehead said:

Now... I just wonder if using a network printer in the future will be a problem

I have a wireless Lexmark X4550 and the software/networking works fine in W7.... works better than finding the XP shares for sure...