XP Computers in the Windows 7 Network Map

Windows 7 and Vista have the ability to detect the devices on a network and build a network map based on what it finds. Windows 7 and Vista do this using a protocol called LLTD (Link Layer Topology Discovery). The LLTD Responder is built in to both Windows 7 and Vista. It's also being included in Access Points, Wireless Routers and some NAS devices that display the "Windows 7" Logo.

Among other things LLTD does is detect laptops and desktops that are connected via wireless and builds the network map accordingly. However, any wireless connections will show up only if there's something connected.

However, XP doesn't support the LLTD Responder natively and thus, when the network map is displayed, any PC's running XP (any flavor) will show up on the bottom of the page in their own area, unable to be placed on the map.

Microsoft has a hotfix that will add LLTD Responder support to XP. It does require a Genuine copy of XP and may also require providing your email address to get access to the hotfix. The hotfix only works with SP3 so make sure your system has it installed.


IMPORTANT: This hotfix needs to be installed on every PC running XP on the network.


Here's the link:

Network Map in Windows Vista does not display computers that are running Windows XP

If you look down for the section marked "Resolution", you'll find the link to the hotfix.

To get the hotfix, it's best to use Internet Explorer as you will need to go through Windows Genuine Advantage Validation.

Once it's downloaded, install it on any PC's that are running XP. You may need to reboot the PC afterwards.

Once it's installed, try looking at the Windows 7 Network Map and your XP machines should now display in their proper place in the map.

Related Tutorials

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• How to Create a Network Map Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to Create a Network and Sharing Center Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to See Full Map of Network Computers and Devices in Windows 7

 

[Anak]

Well, this is where I'm at....

It seems neither PC can find the 'net' because of a DNS failure. They see each other, but not the 'net'.

The first two screenshots show the win7 network and sharing center.

The first; DNS failure to connect or nonexistent.

The second; I'm in the home group, and have a LAN, but no 'net'.

I still need to create the shared folders

The file attachment is the Diagnostic report from the XP box. I X'ed out the IP adresses.

 

[alphanumeric]

Anak it sounds like your problem may be in your router or cable modem. If this is a new router power cycle you cable or DSL modem then power cycle your router. Sometimes they retain the MAC address or the device that was previously connected to them and need a nudge to read in the new one. If you open a command window on one PC and run ipconfig/all you should see what is going on as far as the PC goes. The IP address listed for default gateway and DNS should be the IP address or the router. Thats assuming your using dynamic IPs. Use the default gateway IP address to log into the router and check its status page. The DNS server IPs listed should be those used by your ISP. Forgive me if I gave to much or not enough info. I don't know how network savvy you are.

 

[Anak]

Anak it sounds like your problem may be in your router or cable modem.

I’m beginning to think it may be.
Win7 isn’t listed on the router’s homepage, but there is a firmware upgrade.

If this is a new router power cycle you cable or DSL modem then power cycle your router. Sometimes they retain the MAC address or the device that was previously connected to them and need a nudge to read in the new one.

I have done that. Is there a special procedure one must follow?
Like…..Making sure everything is shutdown or can you leave the PC’s on?

If you open a command window on one PC and run ipconfig/all you should see what is going on as far as the PC goes. The IP address listed for default gateway and DNS should be the IP address or the router. Thats assuming your using dynamic IPs.

They matched. By dynamic, do you mean allowing the PC to automatically detect the addresses? If so, that’s how I have both PC’s set……..Automatically detect.

Use the default gateway IP address to log into the router and check its status page.

The DNS server IPs listed should be those used by your ISP.

I have checked the status page, and they both agree.

Forgive me if I gave to much or not enough info. I don't know how network savvy you are

No need to apologize. This is my first attempt at setting up any type of network.
　
Both PC’s have no problem connecting to the Internet when they are connected to the DSL modem separately, but once the router is added to the mix they go blind…. Not cool


They see each other, but not the Internet….

 

[alphanumeric]

@ANAK The procedure I usually recommend if somebody is having problems connecting to the internet (assuming it worked before) is to power cycle everything. Start with the modem, power it up and let it run for a couple of minutes. Then power up the router and let it do its thing for a couple of minutes. Then power up the PC's, this usually gets everything talking to each other again.

Is your modem yours or your ISP's?
Can you get to its status page?
Does your ISP require you to use a username and password to get internet access? If yes you will have to set this up in the router, PPoE I believe.

 

[Anak]

@ANAK The procedure I usually recommend if somebody is having problems connecting to the internet (assuming it worked before) is to power cycle everything. Start with the modem, power it up and let it run for a couple of minutes. Then power up the router and let it do its thing for a couple of minutes. Then power up the PC's, this usually gets everything talking to each other again.

I don’t do it that way, but I will try yours.

Is your modem yours or your ISP's?

It was part of the deal when I signed up, so….I would have to say the ISP’s

Can you get to its status page?

Yes. I’ll see if I can create a report.

Does your ISP require you to use a username and password to get internet access? If yes you will have to set this up in the router, PPoE I believe.

Not when either PC is connected to the DSL modem separately, I just click on IE8 or FF, and I’m in. You may be on to something there, where the modem doesn’t recognize the router.

I‘ll try these new suggestions, but I can’t say when I’ll be able to get back to you; my DW is starting physical therapy tomorrow (for a broken leg), and I’m her support groupie. :huh:

 

[alphanumeric]

@ANOK
I'm kind of scratching my head on this one. If you can get to the status page of the cable modem that means the router got it IP address from the cable modem. They are talking to each other. Everything is working except DNS. Just so you know typing in http://192.168.0.x/ bypasses DNS. DNS servers convert www.microsoft.com to the actual ip address of the site. Since it works when you bypass the router the problem must be in the router. Have you changed any settings in the router since you took it out of the box? You may want to reset it to factory defaults anyway. It should work at factory defaults, if it does then go in and set the administrator password. Then go in and lock down the wireless side. If you are still having problems after reseting it post back and we'll go from there.

 

[Anak]

Hi eveyone,

I realize its been a while since I posted back, but I wanted to tell ya'll that I finnally have my "LAN" up and running.

Rather than take up too much space here in tutorials I post here in Network and Sharing: http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/91341-dns-server-not-found-anak.html

For whatever reason both PC's could see themselves, but not get on the "Internet".

WindowsStar helped me to set up my two machines on OpenDNS, and all is well now.

Thanks again for all your help!


Edit:
Just noticed tutorials are un-rep-parble, even for REDBIRDDAD, so I'll have to get ya'll later.

Later, Anak

 

[LADYPINKtomato1]

Anak hello.. this is very good news.. good to have you back and able to connect your pc's.. Let's hope it keeps working as it should.
LPt

 

[Anak]

And hello to you LPt!

So far, so good. I have been experimenting with google's DNS, and that is working also.

Steve...aka Anak

 

[Shrike49]

Hi All,

RedBirdDad Many thanks for your article & thanks to others for the HeadsUp on this Topic.

Being a newbie to Win 7 Pro (1 week) and RedBirdDad's article in mind - I have XP Media Centre Edition with SP3 installed so believe the LLTD (will Double check) is installed. and Can see the XP Machine listed under Network, But it IS NOT showing Up in the HomeGroup! Also if I CTL + SHIFT + ESC (Task Manager) and check the User Tab, I Cannot See the XP User!! Maybe/Maybe Not, LLTD has something to do with this??.

Basically I want to Know who (User Name) is logged onto the Network and to be able to use an Instant Messaging System to Communicate with them. Its only a small network (4 Machines), so dont need anything fancy and I'm hoping to us the "NET SEND" instant messaging.

Would appreciate any help
Graham