New W7 PC can't see XP machines on workgroup

[joddle]

This is really frustrating. I have recentl upgraded most of my PCs to W7 but with thelast machine I am having problems.

 

The machnie runs OK and connects to the internet via wireless fine and seesm to be working OK in every respect BUT when it is connected to the workgroup, it only sees the other W7 machines and not the XP ones, I have another identical machine which I also upgraded to W7 but thatone sees everything in the workgroup.

 

I checked the network settings page and can't see any differences in the settings betwen the two machines so can't really figure out what is wrong. I also tried disconencting for the homwgroup but it makes no difference, and in any case the other W7 PCs all see everything.

 

I tried shutting all the PCs down and restarting them but this latest PC still only sees the W7 machines and I cannot see the new machine from the XP machines,

 

Any ideas please

[DSTM]

Hi Joddle. Something is different between the two windows 7 PC's .

My guess your ID or Keyword is different on the computers. Double check each computer.

[RandyL]

Hi joddle;

It sounds like you are trying to network XP and Windows 7. If this is the case then you correctly chose workgroup instead of homegroup. Homegroup does not work with XP and Windows 7 or XP and Vista.

 

Between these operating systems you also have to do a couple other things. Yes it can be a bit of pain. Since I don't know your security I can tell you that some AV suites with a firewall can hinder networking so if you have a third party firewall I always find it best to temporarily disable it first.

 

Chances are you can see one computer from the other but not the other way around. Or at least you can't access it. Start by turning on both computers.

 

1. Make sure your XP and Windows 7 computers have the same name in workgroup. It's the only way it will work.

 

2. In Windows 7 Go to Explorer or Computer and select drive C: and navigate to C:\Users\username so you can select the folders you want to share. You have to select folders to share. You cannot select the root Drive C:

 

3. Right click a folder such as Documents and click Properties. Select the Sharing tab. Click Share. Type the word Everyone and click Add.

 

4. Once again go to the same folder and click properties but this time select the Security tab. If Everyone is listed select it and click Edit to select permissions.

 

5. If Everyone is not listed click Edit then click Add and type Everyone

 

XP should now be able to access and share the folder My Documents in Windows 7.

 

For the reverse to work you may need to access the security or advanced security settings on the XP computer to set Everyone on the Documents permissions so that Windows 7 can see the XP Documents. Unfortunately My XP is not hooked up at the moment and it has been some time since I networked XP and 7.

 

The point is if you want all your computers to be networked and you have a mix with XP and Vista/7 you have to do these things.

 

A. All computers need to be on Workgroup.

B. All computer Workgroup names have to be the same.

C. Sharing and Permissions on folders to be shared has to have the name Everyone so that all computers can share.

D. Security and Permissions on folders to be shared has to have the name Everyone so that all computers can share.

E. You may need to select Advanced Security or similar on XP or 7 to access the settings.

 

If XP were not in the mix then it would be simple by just choosing Homegroup.

 

It was actually Synapse one of our team that taught me this.

[joddle]

Well I dont know what has happened but this morning when I booted up the PC - it is showing the XP machines - and yet I have done nothing to change anything!!!! Perhaps as I am in Spain it is following the Spanish tradition in that you have to wait ages for everything!!!!