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

Not sure if I'm adding value here but here goes... I just followed the directions from Share Files and Printers between Windows 7 and XP - the How-To Geek in an attempt to get two Win 7 PCs (say, A & B) and an XP netbook accessible to each other. Right now the XP netbook can access shared folders in A and B and print through A but only B can access the XP netbook. Try the link... hope it helps.

Same basic problem here. My Windows 7 machine can access any resource on my XP machine, but not vice versa. XP can see the Win7 machine but cannot get any access. What is the first big global think to look for here?

You guys are making it too complicated. Assuming you have a workgroup and you have the XP wired and the 7 wireless and both are on the same network, here is all you need to do:
1. On the XP select the folders you want to share with the 7. It is a good idea to create an extra blank folder with a name such as "7 Shared".
2. Open 7 and go to Networks. You will see your XP listed.
3. Double click your XP.
4. The folders that you choose to share from the XP will show up.
5. Use the extra blank folder you created on the XP to share additional, new stuff from the 7 to the XP.
6. You are done. Simply use the various shared folders you created on the XP to add, move and change any information in any of the shared folders between the XP and 7

When you set up a network using the wired XP, it is quite straight forward. Once the network is set up, you should clearly see your shared files on the wireless 7. At the same time, sharing files from 7 to XP is a whole new issue.

Permissions shown on the 7 seem to have no meaning. If you have a password for your 7, you can get into all the 7 folders..shared or not...via XP. Basically, your 7 folders will all appear and they will appear in two forms..Public and All your 7 folders. These two folders appear when you click "users". I do not see a simple way to privatize some folders and not others. I guess there are several ways around it but not convenient.

I have found that the best way to share information between the XP and 7 is to simply use the XP folder and folder options to move, share and add stuff. Currently, I do not see how you can use any 7 program or share to simplify the process?

Problem: Unable to see files saved by Windows 7 to a shared drive on an XP machine.
Solution: In Network Sharing, Home Group Settings, make sure you are sharing DOCUMENTS.

I finally find other people have the same experience with me. I bought a new latop by win 7. Setup a wire/ wireless network with my old desktop (win xp). The same as what said in page 1.

Internet connection is fine. Both computers appear on the network. Can be seen by each other. Win XP can explore files in Win 7. But,,,,,,,,,, Win 7 can never explore Win XP files.

I read pages of manual. Make sure every setting goes right - sharing, network setting, etc. Install the LLTD protocol. It said no need to install. My win xp is newer.

Appreciate if anyone can help. Thanks :)

I've finally managed to get my Laptop running Windows 7 to see the other computers (both running XP) in my network. Funny thing was i could see my laptop from XP machines but not the other way around. Here are the exact steps I Took.

First, I have not ENABLED anything to do with HOMEGROUP on my laptop running Windows 7. From what I've read on the web this makes it almost impossible to share files with XP..

1. Reset my modem with a new Network name (SSID). Yes I was this frustrated. This is optional if you are absolutely positive you are all in the same Workgroup and Network.

2. Made sure all my computers were connected to my new network with the same WORKGROUP on every machine.

3. Was immediately able to share between Xp machines and only able to see my windows 7 laptop. (not able to see xp machines from windows 7 laptop)

4. In Windows7 opend up Network and Sharing Center and Updated the connection type on my Windows 7 Laptop to "Home" connection.

5. In my Windows 7 Laptop I had all the usual checked in Network Sharing; under "Home or Work" profile. Which according to the previous step was my (Current Profile)

(Turn On network Discovery)
(Turn On File and Printer Sharing)
(Turn on Network sharing so anyone who has network access can read/write files in Public Folder)
(I have enabled media sharing from all my computers to my Xbox360, why burn when you can stream)
(Enable file sharing for devices that use 40- or 56-bit encryption)
(Turn OFF password protected sharing)

Okay up to this point nothing new right..
on the last option i changed it to
(Allow Windows to manage homegroup connections (recommended)) just to get it to process a change..
I saved the changes and did NOT restart my laptop.

Then i went back in and changed the setting back to
(Use user accounts and passwords to connect to other computers)
Saved the changes and restarted my laptop.

and life is all good again.. hope these steps help out.. Good luck All..

Oh one last thing. If these steps didn't work try Temporarily disabling all your firewalls, giving it a few minutes then trying the above steps again. It may just be a firewall blocking all sharing.

LOL Buckley, the people are posting here because that route failed. And a host of other "solutions" as well. Win7 / XP sharing is more art than science at this point for many of us. What works for you may not work for anyone else, but please post it.

Another popular solution is to set up static IP's. This often works because Win7 is easily confused by computers coming and going, even going to hibernate/sleep.

My particular problems were mostly solved by configuring the router to hand out the same IP to a computer every time the computer came on. Static IP on the computers did NOT work, the IP had to be handed out by the router and never change.