Sharing files between a Windows XP PC and a Windows 7 PC over a home network

Hi

Maybe this can Help, it is only 600 words . All aspects should be checked, the fact that it**"worked before"** , or the user claims, "I did Not do any thing ", is not a way to deal with Sharing problems.

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This post looks like a long story because I do not know what the user level of knowledge is, and what was already done.

The info goes through the motions of configuring and checking most of the common aspects of Windows OS' LAN features.

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Win7 when configured on peer-to-peer Network has three types of Sharing configurations.

HomeGroup Network = Works only between Win 7 computers. This type of configuration makes it very easy to Entry Level Users to start Network sharing.

 Work Network = Basically similar to the previous methods of sharing that let you control what, how, and to whom folders would be shared with.

Public Sharing = Public Network (like Internet cafe) to reduce security risks.

 For best results log to each computer's System Screen and set all the computers to be on a Network with the same name while each computer has its own unique name.

http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_name.jpg

Make sure that the Software Firewall on each computer allows free local traffic. If you use 3rd party Firewall On, Vista/XP Native Firewall should be Off, and the active Firewall has to adjusted to your Network IP numbers on what is some time called the Trusted Zone (consult your 3rd Party Firewall instructions

General example,  http://www.ezlan.net/faq#trusted

Please Note that some 3rd party Software Firewalls keep blocking aspects of Local Traffic even it they are turned Off (disabled). If possible configure the Firewall correctly, or totally uninstall it to allow clean flow of local network traffic. If the 3rd party software is uninstalled or disables, make sure that Windows native Firewall is On .

If your network is comprised of Win 7 only and you want a simple Network, use this.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/videos/sharing-files-with-homegroup

After configuring the Homegroup scroll down to the Permission/Security section.

Networking Win 7 with other version of Windows as  Work Network.

In the Network Center, clicking on the Network type opens the window to the right.

Choose your type of Network. Notice the check mark at the bottom, and check/uncheck it according to your needs.

http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_type.jpg

Win 7 - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Networking-home-computers-running-different-versions-of-Windows

Win 7  Work Network specific folder sharing - http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windows7/windows7_sharing.htm

Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista (Not need for XP-SP3) - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

When finished with the setting of the system it is advisable to Reboot all the hardware including the Router and all computers involved.

If needed check specifically the  **** settings.

Point to the a Folder that meant to  to be share. Right click and choose properties.

In the properties

Click on the Security tab shown in the pic bellow to the right) and check that the users and their permission (shown in the pic bellow center and left) are correctly configured. Then do the same to the Permission tab.

This screen shot is from Win 7, Vista's menus are similar.

http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/Permission-Security.jpg

In both the Security panel, and the Permission panel you have to highlight each User/Group and examine that the Permission Controls are checked correctly.

When everything is OK, Reboot the Network (Router, and computer).

Please Note that the Groups and Users shown in the screen shoot are just an example. Your list will look the way your system is configured.

You have to establish specific users. Everyone is Not a user unless you already have few individual users.

*Note. Some of the processes described above are done Not for Windows sake but to compensate for different Routers and the way their firmware works and stores the info about the computers that are Networked.

Jack-MVP Windows Networking. WWW.EZLAN.NET

Steve,

You guys do not have a clue to what is going on in the real world.  After the latest set up updates - i too am in the same boat - I can't get to my old computers - my wife's MY WIRELESS PRINT SERVER -  

What the heck is with you guys forcing us to use the new group share and cutting us off because of an update.  I have had more problems with windows 7 and updates that with ANY other system.  I skipped Vista because of this.

Your suggestions above are:

1.     Obvious – we’ve all already tried them

2.    Useless

3.    Do not address the fact that you’ve forced changes in networking with out notice

PLEASE do some research into complications created by updates – then talk to us

VERY FRUSTRATED

I did all that. I can ping each other, i.e. the Windows 7 and the Windows XP Home machine can 'see' each other. I cna see shared folders in the Windows 7 machine but not in the other way, i.e. from the Windoes 7 machine I get Acces denied on the Windows XP Home machine, maybe something to do with the PC Tools Spyware Doctor?

I haven' t read all the other replys, but to get shares working between XP and Win 7 I did the following -

 

To share folders between the Win 7 & XP you cannot just simply click on 'share' as you do with the XP computer.

You will often have to drill down to the bottom of the 'security' tab and set permissions.

Clicking on 'everyone' sharing doesn't always work for me. Maybe this method goes outside the grand W7  security scheme, but it works.

1. In Folder properties click the following - Security/Edit/Add/Advanced/Find Now/Everyone

Then set the level of access. You may also be able to set up a user profile here, I haven't bothered.

Once this is done the folder can have share turned off/on without the extra security nonsense.

Yes a lot more trouble than XP sharing.

Quite intentional on MS's behalf. They prefer you to have only Win 7.

In addition -

If you loose the share (can't 'see' the other computer) click the 'refresh' (green) tab at the top of the network window.

You may have to do this up to three times to get your share going again.

I have to do this frequently as I disable my LAN when I play several games as they will go into a spin trying to connect for auto updates if they 'see'

an open connection on any kind.

Thanks for your setting

Sir, this setting for windows 7 right? What for windows xp?

Sorry for my bad languange...