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

Hi All!

This problem occurs if the Link-Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) Responder component is not installed on the Windows XP-based computer.

In order to establish the connection between the windows 7 machine and XP machine, try downloading and installing the Link-Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) hotfix. Check the link mentioned below:

Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) Responder (KB922120)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=4F01A31D-EE46-481E-BA11-37F485FA34EA&displaylang=en

If this doesn't help, can the computer ping each other?

To do this:

1. Get your computer name (Visit http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Find-your-computer-name for help getting your computer name). In this example we'll be using Computer1 and Computer2as the computer names.
2. On Computer1, Click Start, type cmd and press Enter
3. In the black and white command box, type ping Computer2 and press Enter

You should get something similar to the following:

 Pinging <###.###.###.###> with 32 bytes of data:

   Reply from <###.###.###.###>: bytes=32 time=77ms TTL=28

   Reply from <###.###.###.###>: bytes=32 time=80ms TTL=28

   Reply from <###.###.###.###>: bytes=32 time=78ms TTL=28

   Reply from <###.###.###.###>: bytes=32 time=79ms TTL=28

If you get Request Timed Out, there's a something blocking communication between the computers.

Try those steps out and let me know what works!

---

Cody C

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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Hi Cody.  I've been trying to get my Windows 7 laptop and XP desktop to share files for at least 2 years, spending at least $100 in the process. 

Here, I've just tried your suggestion of link layer . . .  Microsoft won't give it to me.  Somehow

I'm not authorized, I guess.  I get the usual snag like that everything I try.

My two computers can see each other over my home network, and they can both access my wireless printers and the internet.  But now, neither has "permission" to access the other.  One of them asks for a "password," which was never set up in the setups. 

They can both ping each other, according to your instructions.

Some time ago Anna Jiang helped me a little, via looking at my register setups and directing me to make corrections there.  Before that, my XP (connected to my Netgear router via ethernet cable) could get files from my W7 via wireless --- when we quit, the problem was reversed: the W7 could get files from and to the XP, but not visa versa.

Since then, I've had a hard disk crash on the XP, and had to reset my W7 system to an earlier date, and now neither can access the other, although they can both see the other.

Bob

Ok so i've read all this and it makes no since to me. Ok i'm running a desktop running windows xp that is connected to my router via hardwired. I Have a laptop running windows 7 that is connect to my network via wireless. On my laptop (Windows 7) i can see my shared folders and stuff that is on my desktop (Windows XP) and i can save the files. But i'm trying to connect my Desktop (Windows XP)  to my laptop (Windows 7) so i can get files off my laptop but cant find it anywhere. On my laptop i have shared files and both computers are on the same workgroup and network. But I cant find my laptop's (Windows 7) shared folders on my desktop (Windows XP) PLEASE HELP GONNA RIP MY HAIR OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jus so we are clear, Im trying to access the files that is on my laptop (Windows 7) from my desktop (Windows XP). My laptop is connected wireless and my desktop is hard wired into my router