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

Anonymous
2009-12-17T00:07:02+00:00

I have files on an old PC running Windows XP that I would like to get onto my new PC running Windows 7. I have been trying to access the files over the network the same way that I always had with XP, by making them available over the network through the folder's properties.

I have made the files available for sharing on the XP computer, but can't figure out how to access them from the new Windows 7 PC.

PC with desired files is running Windows XP

PC to retrieve files is running Windows 7

The XP PC is connected wirelessly through a Linksys router

The W7 PC is connected to the same router via Ethernet cord

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2009-12-20T05:26:10+00:00

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

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Was this answer helpful?

9 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2009-12-18T09:04:31+00:00

Easiest way, make both workgroups the same . windows key + pause under computer. Kill password sharing in windows 7. Right mouse on the LAN in Win7, open network / change advanced. Select turn off password sharing. Make sure turn network discovery and file sharing are on.

Create a folder in XP share it. Tick simple file sharing if its off (my computer / tools / folder options / view). . Create a folder in Win 7 right mouse / properties  / sharing / share. Select everyone up the top, change the bottom to read/write. Saves you mucking around with passwords, or entering ips in to get into the other folder. To make things easier if you want to copy install files etc. Go to start/run in win7, type shell:sendto, right mouse / new shortcut. Go to the networked folder add it. Then it'll appear under the send to context menu. Do the same with XP, except type sendto under start/run. And do the same thing

If you dont have any other Win7 pc's kill homegroup. Computer, highlight homegroup / right mouse / change homegroup settings / leave homegroup

If any firewalls are installed on either (besides windows), configure them

Was this answer helpful?

0 comments

81 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-31T23:38:21+00:00

    Hi All!

    At the end of the day, and after 5 hours of reading this stuff and trying various 'fixes' I still cannot get files from my Windows 7 Notebook to my primary Windows XP desktop.

    The Windows 7 notebook just will not see the XP and the XP can see the Windows 7 but refuses to accept a connection claiming I do not have permissions and yet these are properly set.

    I am totally disheartened with Microsoft OS at this point.

    To get the files off the notebook and on to the desktop I have to do it twice; using a portable HDD as an intermediary. There a a lot of GB of data in tens of thousands of files. It is a large task to do twice.

    This is 2013, not 1986 and this sort of issue is unacceptable.

    I have a need to replace the desktop primary computer in my home. I use it a lot as a Technology Management consultant and I am wondering if I really want to continue with this line of OS and buy a Windows 8 machine just to get more of the same....... 

    Dear Microsoft, I am disillusioned with this result. Your OS compatibility is simply not good enough.

    Peter Dore

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-05-24T01:23:38+00:00

    I have a reverse situation.  1 pc on XP ethernet, 1 pc on XP wireless card and this one a notebook running win7 home premium.  They refuse to communicate with one another wirelrssly or hard wire router - - - -   I have installed the link layer LLTD but no thing shows on desktop XP to connect with.  How do I "see" the XP on here and vise versa

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-05-20T10:12:24+00:00

    From http://omegacoder.com/?p=465

    On the XP machine:

    1. Windows Explorer-> Tools menu –> Folder Options –> View –> (Scroll list down til you see) Use simple file sharing. Uncheck it and close the dialogue.
    2. In Windows…Right Click the Computer Icon (maybe on desktop or will be on Start Menu) and select Manage.
    3. Open Computer Management –> System Tools –> Shared Folders –> Shares and open the folder to list the shares.
    4. Find the share in question, highlight it and right click and select Properties –> Shared Permissions.
    5. In the Share Permission it should have the group Everyone listed. If it is not there add it and check all three permissions: Full Control, Change and Read.
    6. Find the share in question, highlight it and right click and select Properties –> Security.
    7. In the Security tab it should have the group Everyone listed. If it is not there add it and check all permissions.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments