computers see each other but problems

I followed the instructions for setting up a home network between a Win 7 x64 system and an XP system. I got two sets on instructions...one from Microsoft, and one from a link posted here to Astonisher.com:here.

I have gotten the two systems to see each other but there are problems.

First when I try to access the XP computer from the Win 7 computer I get a request for a username and password. I don't use a username on the XP computer...not to log in, not to do anything with the system itself. I would know what my username is and I never set a password.

Going the other way...from the XP computer to the Win 7 computer, I can see the files folders that correspond to folders on the Win7 machine but there is nothing in the folders. The files that I know are there are not showing up. Some files are there...an ini file here and there, subfolders, and some sample music that was installed by Dell, etc., but none of the downloads, documents and music that i have either created or put into those same folders...

Third with some folders on the Win 7 machine, when I click on properties and select sharing I see that a sub menu that says those folders are locked.

Complicating this, I am not sure I really understand what is wanted on either machine when it comes to making folders and files accessible. I tried to make the folder that represents the C: drive on the Win 7 system sharable. but I get an error message when I try to access it from the XP system...something about "not having permission to access this resource.".

I would appreciate any advice ...what am I missing, where did I take a wrong turn?

I plan on watching the solution here because I tried this also and I didn't even come close to hooking up.
Oh . Are the sharing the public folders and documents?i
These seem to be the automatically generated folders for public access on mine.
See picture

chev65 said:

The tutorial below can show you how to share between different Op systems. You need to set up sharing premissions on those drives if you want to share them but it's not safe to share entire drives.

Getting all the Advanced Sharing settings correct goes a long way towards making everything work properly. You may also need to set up permissions on the Windows 7 folders to gain access. You can right click on folders to set up permissions for that folder.

This should answer most of your questions.
Networking home computers running different versions of Windows

Yes, I saw that. there is really nothing here that I haven't already done. Unless...I'm missing something or misunderstanding something.

What bothers me most right about now is why I am being asked for a username and password to access the XP computer.

chev65 said:

DWFII said:

chev65 said:

The tutorial below can show you how to share between different Op systems. You need to set up sharing premissions on those drives if you want to share them but it's not safe to share entire drives.

Getting all the Advanced Sharing settings correct goes a long way towards making everything work properly. You may also need to set up permissions on the Windows 7 folders to gain access. You can right click on folders to set up permissions for that folder.

This should answer most of your questions.
Networking home computers running different versions of Windows

Yes, I saw that. there is really nothing here that I haven't already done. Unless...I'm missing something or misunderstanding something.

What bothers me most right about now is why I am being asked for a username and password to access the XP computer.

These settings in Advanced Sharing settings have everything to do with that. Take note of the ones that mention "turn password protected sharing" On or Off.

Remember these are two seperate windows. One for Work- Home sharing and the other one for Public file sharing. You need to make sure the options are correct in both of these Windows.

Are you certain that you didn't inadvertantly set up Homegroups on the Win 7 machine because it uses a password like you mentioned. You certainly should not be seeing any type of password prompt to access the XP machine if you didn't set one up.

OK, now I think we are getting somewhere...I will have to check the business about "password protected sharing" on home sharing and public sharing. I know I have it turned off on home sharing. I didn't think to change anything with regard to public sharing.

And...I don't think it was inadvertent, maybe ignorant but not inadvertent...I did set up homegroups on the Win 7 machine. I know the password for the homegroups but I am am not sure of the username. And why would the Win 7 machine prompt me for that password to access the XP machine?!