Win XP can't see folder on Win 7

[deb27]

Yes, this is another "why can't windows xp see my windows 7 folder" question.
And yes, I really did search for the answer before posting. I guess this problem must be just a little bit different.

I have 2 computers:
Windows 7 (named Laurel)
Windows XP (named Dell)
both are running the 32-bit home edition of their OS.

On the Windows 7 machine I have a second hard drive. It's called G:
This is where I keep all my data and it's where the windows XP machine needs to backup its data.
I have shared G:
Windows XP sees the drive with no problem.
And it can open every folder on G: ... except one!

That's the one that's driving me crazy.
It's called G:\pictures and it contains....pictures
My husband, who uses Dell likes to look at the pictures. But for some reason, clicking on that folder results in Access Denied.

So...why would that particular folder cause Access Denied when none of the other folders on G: have that problem? What could be unique about it?
This was working for many months and then suddenly it stopped working. Unfortunately I have no recollection of changing anything.

I have tried explicitly turning on sharing for that folder (rt click -> Properties -> Sharing -> Advanced Sharing : check the box that says Share this Folder)
... doesn't work ....
and it shouldn't be necessary because G: is shared already, therefore G:\pictures should also be shared.

Can anyone think of something that might be unique about that folder that could result in the Access Denied error when none of the other folders on G: have that problem?

Many thanks.

 

[deb27]

Still having this problem. No solution yet. Any ideas?

 

[chev65]

I'm not sure why you can access the other folders on G but not the pictures folder but sometimes to access entire drives without restrictions you need to go into the security settings and enable the drive or folder to be shared. This assumes that your A/V software isn't causing the problem which is usually the case when problems like this occur.

First right click the picture folder on G drive and go to properties, then the sharing tab, then to advanced sharing tab, click the box to share this folder then click permissions, if "Everyone" isn't on the "share with" list then click the "Add" button and add "Everyone" to the list and click the boxes for full access. You mentioned that you already did this but just want to make sure.

If this doesn't allow the folder be shared then you may need to go into the Security settings for your G drive. Sharing the entire drive can be a security risk.

To share the entire drive:
Open My Computer -> right click Local Disk D or which ever drive letter your drive is using -> select Properties -> select Security tab -> click Edit button -> click Add button -> enter the name of the User you want to set Security permissions (it is the same user name you've set the sharing permissions for, ex. Everyone will set the read permissions to every user. Put check marks in the boxes for full access and control -> click OK hit apply-> select the desired permissions -> click OK -> wait while permissions are set -> and your Done.

 

[deb27]

Chev65 - thanks for responding.
1. I went to the picture folder and followed your instructions. Everyone already had full access.
2. I went to the G drive and followed the 2nd set of instructions. Once again, I already had the permissions set for Everyone.

XP still couldn't access the folder.

So then I tried one more thing which finally worked although i don't understand why.

I right clicked on the G:\picture folder and chose Properties. I clicked on the Sharing tab. This time, instead of clicking on Advanced Sharing, I clicked on Share...
In the window that appeared I saw only two entries: Administrators and Debbie (which is my own username). I did not see "Everyone" on this list. So I typed in Everyone and clicked Add. Then I clicked the Share button.

For some strange reason this solved the problem. I don't understand why, because I already set the permissions for Everyone under Advanced Sharing but...I guess I should be happy, right?

 

[chev65]

Yes adding "Everyone" to that list is pretty much standard procedure. I'm glad you figured it out Deb.