Like many of us, you'll likely have an older XP and/or Vista machine waiting when you bring in a new preloaded PC or anupgrade copy of Windows 7. Although one might be able to just boot up Windows 7 and all computers automatically can see each other, sometimes you can run into problems.
This article will review a few things about each of the computers. Soon you'll have them all talking with each other, sharing files, printers, and media.
Verify that You're Using NTFS on Your Hard Drives.
As discussed previously, your older PCs might be using a less-secure file system: FAT32. Thus you should make sure you're using NTFS (New Technology File System).Ensure that File and Printer Sharing Is Enabled.Although Windows automatically installs and enables the protocol for file and printer sharing, it can be accidentally disabled. Thus you should double-check it, especially if you're currently having sharing problems.On the network connection's properties dialog make sure the File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks and Client for Microsoft Networks protocols are enabled.
Disable the Simple or Wizard File-Sharing Interface
Windows XP Professional and all editions of Vista and Windows 7 have advanced sharing settings. When you use the advanced method, you can better control sharing using Permissions.You'll be using a similar approach among your computers, regardless of their Windows version.
Here's how to disable the simple or wizard-based sharing interface:
1. Open Computer or My Computer.
2. Click Tools and select Folder Options.
3. If you don't see the file menu in Vista or Windows 7, press the Alt key.
4. Click the View tab.
5. Scroll down and uncheck Use Sharing Wizard (in Vista or Windows 7) or Use Simple File Sharing (in XP).
6. Click OK to save the changes.
Verify that Everyone Is on the Same Workgroup
On home and small business networks, computers must be assigned to a Workgroup. You should have all the computers that you want to share with each other set to the same group.Because some Windows versions have different default workgroup names, you should decide on a particular name and verify that each computer is set to the same.To find the current Workgroup of a Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 machine, right-click the My Computer or Computer shortcut from the desktop or start menu and select Properties. You'll see the computer name, domain, and workgroup setting on the System window.While you're at it, you can also verify that you have descriptive computer names, so you can tell which PC is which when you browse the network.
Check the Network Location in Vista and Windows 7
A network location feature, which debuted in Windows Vista, lets you specify the network type (Home, Work, and Public) after connecting, which automatically applies the appropriate sharing settings.For example, if you connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot and mark it as a Public network, Windows will automatically disable file sharing.To verify that you have the right network location selected for your network, bring up the Network and Sharing Center.Windows Vista lists this to the right of the network name
Review the Network Settings in Vista and Windows 7
Microsoft also added more networking and sharing settings to Windows, starting with Vista. If they aren't set right, they could prevent you from sharing; so you need to double-check them.
Verify that Your Firewall Lets Traffic Through
Windows automatically edits the Windows Firewall settings to allow file and printer sharing traffic through when you enable sharing.However, you can manually disable the firewall rule or stop all network traffic, both of which would prevent your computers from communicating. So you should double-check the settings.
Check Out the New Networking Features
We've reviewed most of the networking settings to get Windows 7 talking to your old XP and Vista machines. If you haven't already, discovered how the new Libraries feature can help you organize your files. Once you have more than one Windows 7 PC, check out HomeGroup. It can help you quickly and easily share among your new computers.
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