Hi loquacious,
i have put together quick check list to help home users in folder sharing from windows 7 to XP. It should be good for the last 3 versions of windows at least and I hope that it helps you too.
A few small points that some users misunderstand:
- You can share Win7 and XP without them being in the same workgroup.
- You don't need to have the same user name or password.
As this is a check list it is not detailed, if I can help you find any particular area that I have referenced, please post back and I am happy to help.
SERVICES (type services.msc in RUN)
Check that the following are running and automatic
- Computer Browser
- Server (if it exists)
- Workstation
- Event Viewer (to fin problems)
GUEST ACCOUNT
The win7 and XP machines don't actually need to be in the same workgroup providing that the guest account is active. To check this
-START
-RUN
-CMD [ENTER] (admin mode for Vista/Win7)
-type 'net user guest' (it should tell you if the account is active)
-If not active, make it active by typing 'net user guest /active:yes'
SECURITY POLICY
Check permissions by opening the secpol.msc from RUN
-START
-RUN
-Secpol.msc [ENTER]
-Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment
NOTE: [Double click on the line to adjust the settings]
-In 'Access this computer from the network' ensure that 'Everyone' user is added (this is the win7 default anyway; but worth a look)
-On the computer that you need to connect to, check the 'Deny access to this computer from the network' setting. Ensure that this doesn't have guest in it (by default windows 7 does). If you only share from Win7->XP you can leave guest denied on the win7 box.
CONNECTION PROPERTIES
Check that 'File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks' is installed and enabled
- Open Network connections and right click on the Network Connection
- Check the Networking tab and install or enable
NETBIOS IP4
(if WINS is needed only - not for vista->vista and above)
Check that NETBIOS is set to default on IP4 connections
- Open network connections and right click on the connection
- Select Internet Protocol version 4
- CLick properties
- On the general tab, click advanced
- On the wins tab, check that NETBIOS is on default
FIREWALL EXCEPTIONS
Ensure that there is an exception for file and printer sharing on your firewalls. Check the following:
- Hardware Firewalls such as Modem's and routers
- SOftware firewalls such as trend micro, Mcaffee, Windows Firewall, Nortons, or which ever you use.
- Also check on your hardware that the devices can see each other, sometimes there is a function to turn off communication between deveices, this is normally used on unsecure wireless networks so that devices cannot communicate with each other. This should normally not be ticked for your home network.
SHARED FOLDERS
Check that you have a folder security and share permissions to enable that folder to be found.
- Right click on the folder and look for the "share with" option on Win 7.
- Right click on the folder and select properties, check sharing and security tabs (note: you may need to turn off simple filesharing to see the security tab - this is done in your folder options)
NETWORK CONNECTION SHARING
In Win7 and Vista only
- Open the network and sharing center
- Click on "Change Advanced Settings"
- Ensure that the PC is enabled for file and printer sharing as required.
