How to use the Public File Folder in Win7 several questions on setup

[loninappleton]

I am setting a new Win7 64 bit with the intent of passing file content from the pervious XP to Win7 homenet network for my two machines connected via ethernet.

The previous setup.

Computer MSI

Was running Win XP.

Computer Biostar

Is running Win7

The network connection is primarily with the Public folder in an XP workgroup.
This has worked fine for passing files both ways on the homenet.

Computer MSI will be installed to a new WD 1 Tb drive

I know the the primary network style in Win7 is called a Share group and is different from
the XP workgroup.

To keep my network going and share files I intend to continue the XP work group
for compatibility because this has worked.

How can the Public folder by copied or moved to the newer Win7 sharegroup on both
machines which will now have Win7? Is there a naming convention that can simply rename
the Public folder on the network? Or is it even necessary for some advantage?

My XP drive is still available and backed up. The new install will format the the WD and
put on Win7 to the full volume for the MSI machine. The Biostar computer name is

***-PC where the asters are used for privacy on this message.

Just now I am beginning the process.

 

[GokAy]

Windows uses Workgroups - has been like this since 95 (didn't use 3.1). Windows 7 also use HomeGroups which is supposed to ease the process for none-tech savvy people (you don't need a HomeGroup). In Windows 7 Network and Sharing Center - Advanced Sharing Settings - check the settings so sharing is on. You shouldn't need public folders to share between XP and Win 7.

 

[loninappleton]

The workgroup system is most familiar to me. If I can move my files from bedroom to living room that's all that's needed. I've been using the Public folder because it is pre-installed and opens on both machines.
Marking folders or mapping drives has always given me fits and I never got it right.

 

[RolandJS]

If one is networking between a Windows 7 computer and a Windows XP computer, then be aware your experience might become very similar to mine:
Windows 7 can read from/write to WXP, however, even though WXP can "see" W7, WXP very rarely read from and practically never wrote to W7.

 

[loninappleton]

Hmmm. Well a daily occurrence for me is to move a media file 1 Gb more or less from the XP to the
Win7 machines. And this is under the workgroup rather than sharegroup.

Moving these Win7 to XP I do less often but it can be done so long as I can see both network locations.

This reminds me of something else: Latest install of Win7 from CD I see no Network Icon on the desktop.
\Also don't see it on the Start menu where you can ask to 'show on desktop'.

Anyone know this? I can't recall having to look for it before.

 

[GokAy]

Right click empty desktop and Personalize - Change desktop icons - tick whatever you need

 

[loninappleton]

will do.

 

[loninappleton]

Right click empty desktop and Personalize - Change desktop icons - tick whatever you need

This bit of advice worked fine thanks.
Still playing with network setup and sharing.