Network: Unable to Access Windows 7 Computer from XP Systems

Question

Hi I have been using a network of a Dell XPS laptop, (occasionally also an Inspiron laptop) a Dell desktop, a printer and a NAS drive for years with no problems - both computers running XP. I just bought an XPS 8300 Windows 7 desktop, and after setting up the network, I can access files on both the XP machines from the Win7 machine, but the XP machines cannot access the Win7 system. On the Win7 desktop: Network Discovery is turned on. File and Printer Sharing is turned on. Public Folder Sharing is turned on. File Sharing Connections is at the default 128-bit encryption. Password Protected Sharing is turned OFF. Folders/drives are set to share with 'Everyone'. The hard drive has 3 partitions: C, E, F. Windows Firewall is turned on (default). Both XP systems are configured to require logon with password. All 3 systems use the same logon name and password. All use the same workgroup name of WORKGROUP.(or Workgroup in the case of the laptop). Files on the XP systems are fully accessible to each other, and to the Win 7 system. All systems access the NAS drive perfectly. However, although the Win7 system is visible on the XP systems, when I try to open it, I get the message: '\ xx is not accessible.You might not have permission to use this network resource ..... The network path was not found'. I don't even get the option of entering a password. This happens on both my XP machines, though as I said, they access each other perfectly, and the Win7 access files on both of them. It happens whether the laptop is set to to require login with a password, to auto-logon, or to no password. Originally I had both the Win7  E and F drives (partitions) shared, but after something I saw on another forum, I turned that off and shared only the public folder and one other folder on my C partition. None of the preceding changes made any difference. Any suggestions? Thanks, Chris

chrishelps · Answer

Anyone?

Mary G · Answer

I'm not an expert, but I can't see anything wrong with your setup--except I would double check the workgroup names again and make the case match as well as the names. XP has a habit of reverting to the xp default MSHOME name for no apparent reason. Win 7 default name is workgroup. Win 7 doesn't care about workgroup names, but XP does. You might think about changing the names to a new one you choose. Have you tried the Network and Sharing Center troubleshooter on the win 7 computer? That can be good at spotting problems and has a very good help file. And share a few more folders like pictures, videos on the C drive just to test the setup. Just make sure the share setting is not just for Home Group members. XP cannot join the home group.

One more thing--on the win 7 computer check the Network & Sharing Center and look to see what type of network you have. If it says Public, change it to Home by clicking on Public Network. That would cause the problem you have.

PudgyOne · Answer

Chris,   Try reading...   Share Files and Printers between Windows 7 and XP this works both ways.   Virus programs and firewalls will try to block communications.     Rick

Don Bynum · Answer

Have you been able to resolve your networking issue?

I have a very simular issue XPS 8300.

I have just spent 5.5 hour with Dell tech support trying to resolve.

I have 2 laptops one XP and one window7 64 bit.

As you stated from the 8300 I can access both laptops.

From the laptops I get access denied or a log on GUI.

I have restored the 8300 back to the factory software load.

I will try again tomorrow.

I have gone step for step the config for days.

When I first received the 8300 it worked well for about a week.

I then had to reset the network config. and that worked for about 10 days.

Now nothing works.

PudgyOne · Answer

Don Bynum,

Here are some links that may help.

Share Files and Printers between Windows 7 and XP

How to Network with HomeGroup in Windows 7

Virus programs and firewalls will block communications.

Windows 7 defaulf to HOMEGROUP, XP Default is MSHOME.

Do you have identical accounts and passwords on each system? Note sure if it's necessary or not, but I do and I can access files from my wife's Xp machine and I have Windows 7.

Rick

Windows General

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