Network of computers with mixed operating systems was working now not

[kirstydwp]

Hi.
We have five PC's with 3 running XP and two new ones on Windows 7. Since we have had it, abet only 2 days the network has been running fine on my Windows 7 X64 to both the other Windows 7 and XP systems and I was able to copy across the network, etc with no problems.

I was away from the X64 for a time and it went into Sleep mode and on waking I no longer have a network. Nothing has changed on my settings or the other PC's.

I have found various things that people have tried to fix this, homegroups, sharing, etc and either nothing works or they are too technical for me.

It's very frustrating, would appreciate any help people can offer. Please note, instructions in laymans terms would be great .

Thanks,
Kirsty

 

[Layback Bear]

Believe me I'm no Homegroup or network person but just try rebooting all systems. The setting just my go back to where they were.

 

[kirstydwp]

Thanks Layback Bear, you're right that did it! However we are still having an issue with the other new Windows 7 computer not seeing my one, which I find totally bewildering considering they are the same systems. Windows 7 seems wayyy more complicated than XP.

I guess I would need to start a new thread for that?

 

[Layback Bear]

Well we got something fixed. It is amazing that a reboot can do so many things. It's always my first though when having a problem. Also rebooting the router could help. Completing shutdown the computers and router. (No power to the router). Boot the router and then boot the computers and see if Windows 7 picks up things from the router.

 

[nexus666]

http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/132764-join-windows-xp-network-group.html
The above solved my issue. Aditioanlly, you should go to your Windows 7 Networking and sharing Centre and tweak the following: Change advanced Sharing Settings. Then scroll down the list to File Sharing Connections and make sure you choose Enable file sharing for devices that use 40-or 56 bit encryption. Windows XP does not support 128 bit encryption. I can guarantee that it works, because I use this on my home network.
To access the Network and Sharing Center, just type it in the Windows 7 start box, or go to Control Panel> Network and Sharing Centrer> Advanced Sharing Settings.
Furthermore make sure they are all under the same Group name.
Hope you find it helpful.