Networking (to file share) between Windows 7 and Windows XP

Jonathan987 · Apr 11, 2010

See share folders but not able to access it -RESOLVED

Hi all,

I've finally managed to resolve this issue. Hope this will help other people with same problem.
If you did everything like it was mentioned on this page (turn discovery mode on - i think is really not necessary, same workgroup(this is too not necessary), what really is necessary is that you have compatible IPs if you set up network manually (for example 10.1.1.4 and 10.1.1.12 with netmask both 255.255.255.0).

Now if you have on both PCs sharing enabled and you see shares but cannot access them look at the SECURITY TAB on your shared folder (Windows 7) you should see something like this there:

Authenticated Users
SYSTEM
Administrators
Users

now click on EDIT button and REMOVE Authenticated Users
and then ADD Everyone. (Simply click on add button and type Everyone)

Now your share should be accessible from XP.

Tews · Apr 11, 2010

Thanks for sharing!

polak · May 9, 2010

thank you

thanks very much problem solved

GoWhiteFish · Jun 5, 2010

I am an experienced network/IT guy, and I have tried everything listed in this forum, and I still have this problem.

My XP desktop (wireless) sees my new 7 Pro 64bit laptop fine. It can access all of my 7 shares and I had no problem in this direction from the start.

However, in the other direction, the 7 laptop didn't even see the XP desktop, even when I manually entered the share addresses.

After changing the advanced sharing option in 7 to "Use user accounts and passwords to connect to other computers" I was able to see my desktop in the network, but when I try to click on it I get an error that Windows cannot access it.

Both Firewalls are down, and even the user names and passwords for both computers are identical.

infomike · Jun 8, 2010

Hi

If you want help in getting Remote desktop working on Windows 7 try: Turn on and Enable Remote Desktop (RDP) in Windows 7 x64 and x86 or Windows Vista

--cheers

AquiloNow said:
My apologies for taking so long to reply...had class today. x.x

Myzr7 - I have all of those options already selected on my W7 computer (except I selected "Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can open, change, and create files").

Digger - My XP user account has a different user name and password than my W7 account. In my W7, it's ticked to show all folders. It's the same workgroup, I think I set that up right. I tried to re-share the drive in XP, but it didn't help. I can't share files/printers. On my XP machine, I do Network Places > Entire Network > Microsoft Windows Network (wait a few moments) > Workgroup. Now though, it won't show up anything inside, but gives me an error message of "Workgroup is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions. The list of servers for this workgroup is currently not available." Both computers are currently online. I am not using another machine besides my laptop and my desktop.

Yupyup - I cannot see the Windows XP machine on the network map. It is like it doesn't exist. I can't get Remote desktop to work in W7, but that might be my own experience as much as it not working (never really done that before).

When I map my W7, it only shows that computer (Twilight), and not my Windows XP (Blackrose).

If there's anything I need to take pictures of for anyone, I'll be more than happy to do so.

I just want to get this to work ><;

Sgooter · Jun 8, 2010

Win 7 Network File Sharing Questions - Very Basic

I'm trying to integrate a new Win 7 PC to my existing home network and I need some help. This new Win 7 PC will eventually replace an old XP PC. Only 1 user (my wife) will operate the new Win 7 PC, so no user account password has been established. I'm trying to transfer the document files from her XP PC over the wired network to the new Win 7 PC, but I'm beginning to believe that I don't understand the files/folders/libraries structure in Win 7.
When operating from the old XP PC: if my network is configured correctly, should I be able to directly access the My Documents (wife's user account) folder/files on the new Win 7 PC? So far, I can see and access the Library/Documents folder on the Win 7 PC, but I cannot see or access the My Documents (wife's user account) folder.
Should I be able to see and access all the drives and folders on the new Win 7 PC from the old XP PC?
When operating from the new Win 7 PC, I am able to see and access all the drives and folders on my wife's old XP PC, and we want the same full network access from the XP PC to all the drives and folders on the new Win 7 PC. Is this a correct/realsitic expectation OR am I expecting too much?

Sgooter · Jun 10, 2010

No bump intended here. I changed a few more share settings; now all is fully integrated across my Win 7, Vista, and XP home network. I now understand better the folders/files structure of Win 7 and Vista versus XP. Essentially, since the Win 7 PC will be operated by my wife only and my Vista PC by me only, then I see no need for use/access to the Public and Library folders for my home network. The wireless Win XP laptop is used by both of us as common users and it performs superbly on the network.

chev65 · Jun 10, 2010

Sgooter said:
No bump intended here. I changed a few more share settings; now all is fully integrated across my Win 7, Vista, and XP home network. I now understand better the folders/files structure of Win 7 and Vista versus XP. Essentially, since the Win 7 PC will be operated by my wife only and my Vista PC by me only, then I see no need for use/access to the Public and Library folders for my home network. The wireless Win XP laptop is used by both of us as common users and it performs superbly on the network.

The Homgroup Libraries are only meant to be used if Windows 7 is installed on all the machines in the LAN, it won't work correctly in a mixed Op system network,Domain or for a VPN.

The public files shares are meant to be used if you are using your computer in non secure locations, like a coffee shop or airport. So it makes sense that you don't feel the need to use either of them.

For anyone else having problems sharing between different Op systems this Technet thread covers most problems that you might encounter. I suggest that you follow the procedures listed here very carefully. There are quite a few small mistakes that are easy to make and this thread covers most of them.

http://social.technet.microsoft.com...g/thread/033c418b-1096-4df7-bfad-fd3d431f3cd5

ronw73 · Jun 27, 2010

I have a laptop winxp pro and a router (netgear) wifi connected to laptop win7 home premium

I am at my wits end trying to network these .

Please treat me as an idiot needing instruction from start.. item by item please on how to do this.

I edit a website and need to see files on laptop win7 that are on laptop winxp

(I know I can transfer by 'dongle' but network would be easier. If I can find pout how to do this.

Most of the suggestions I have read so far assume knowledge I don not seem to have!

ronw73

LM2008 · Jun 29, 2010

Very useful info, thanks again. I'll test the next time my brother comes.

Wooky Jedi · Jul 1, 2010

So There I Was

I have been trying to figure this problem out for months. Sometimes my XP could see the W7 files and other times I'd get the "network resource not available" message. Today by chance I decide to look again and tried changing the "HomeGroup connections" from the recommended "Allow Windows to manage..." to the second option "Use user accounts and passwords". Well, my XP now has no problems read/write to the Win7. Now go out there and tell the dadburn government to clean up their act.

Fliplip · Jul 2, 2010

Personally think its just flaky.
We are all having to do different things just to get this working. Yet when people are trying whats worked for others they are not having much luck so there isnt a set way of doing, what should be a very simple thing.

I've not had any problems after uninstalling the Live essentials stuff. It was that that was blocking access from my other PC's. Ive added PCs and laptops to various networks over the months and not had to do any of this fiddling about. Not had to take my FW off, no messing with address etc.

Seems like its pot luck if it works or not.

dizzybee · Jul 3, 2010

I'm ready to return my new PC. I too have tried everything I've seen on this and other websites -- notably microsoft's. Please someone post a step-by-step -- notably focusing on what should be done to the xp machine

Zaxx · Jul 24, 2010

Well I managed to get lucky I guess. I'm running Norton Internet Security 2010 and was having the same prob of not being able to see or access shared folders on my wife's XP SP3 box. But when I manually disabled Norton's firewall, I had full access...so I launched Norton, clicked on the support link and went into a live chat with a tech...he went in using a remote mode and configured a new firewall rule in Norton so fast I couldn't catch it all, then he did a live update and it was totally fixed...lol
:doh:

Just in the nick of time...it was beginning to drive me to drinkin'...(d)

This may only help the Norton users for now, but I'm sure the other firewalls have options for adding rules...hopefully.
My setup is pretty basic...2 PC's, wired Netgear Router, docsis3 cable modem.

ccc · Jul 27, 2010

GoWhiteFish said:
I am an experienced network/IT guy, and I have tried everything listed in this forum, and I still have this problem.

My XP desktop (wireless) sees my new 7 Pro 64bit laptop fine. It can access all of my 7 shares and I had no problem in this direction from the start.

However, in the other direction, the 7 laptop didn't even see the XP desktop, even when I manually entered the share addresses.

After changing the advanced sharing option in 7 to "Use user accounts and passwords to connect to other computers" I was able to see my desktop in the network, but when I try to click on it I get an error that Windows cannot access it.

Both Firewalls are down, and even the user names and passwords for both computers are identical.

I got the same problem. I am not IT expert but just share my experience. You need to use special way to overcome this problem. You cannot access win XP "root directory" by win 7. (I know it should not call root directory but just give a name to the place. I don't know how it's called). But, you can access the shared folders. Share a folder in win xp. Make network drive in win 7 by typing the location (do not use browse because you cannot access it). It is not ideal but better than nothing.

Similarly, you cannot share printer (in my case). You need to make a shortcut with correct network location. Copy and open the shortcut in Win7. Click connect to install the printer. Don't delete the shortcut. In my case, I need to do the same thing every time I reboot the machine. The previous printer driver installed doesn't work after machine reboot! Great Microsoft Windows!

Eaglemount · Sep 18, 2010

Having same problem:
trying to file share btwn WIN 7 pro and XP pro sp3. Can see each other from either box but access is denied btwn the boxes.
In WIN 7 additional message : ".... Not enough server storage to process this command". Set up 64 bit driver for the printer on 7 as well as the 32 bit driver on xp so tho the printers don't share (?) they work from each box.

No homegroup, tried both with and without Windows firewall, (have hardwired firewall in router). Everything shared.

Would appreciate comments. Thanks.

ronw73 · Sep 19, 2010

xp to win7

I found my solution was to uninstall anti virus programme that was pre-installed on Win7 laptop when purchased and install same as on xppro laptops.

I use WORKGROUP not home....

works OK

Networking (to file share) between Windows 7 and Windows XP

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