How to share files/printer between XP PC & Windows 7 laptop on a working N-broadband

[buildingit]

Hello! I have an old XP PC (no wireless) onto which I installed the Cisco N-Broadband Router software including Cisco Network Magic. I pressed the connect button on the router and my laptop detected the network and is working beautifully and wirelessly. My Laptop has Windows 7 and instructions on how to form a "homegroup" with other Windows 7 boxes but not XP. My XP doesn't have any instructions that I know of. Cisco Network Magic can do it but I will have to buy the advanced version. Isn't there an easy way to do this without having to buy advanced cisco software? Ditto for getting my laptop to see my printer that is hardwired to my XP box.

Thanx!

(even a link to online instructions somehwre would be fine)

[buildingit]

ok, sorry, forget it for now, I have downloaded the Microsoft white paper on this. So I will at least have a go at all of this on my own.

[buildingit]

Hello! well, I got as far as I could- I did what the white paper told me to do on my Windows 7 laptop. Then it says to go to my XP computer and:

1. Click Start, click My Computer, click My Network Places, and then click View workgroup computers.

but no workgroups show up because I never had a network. . So I am guessing I now have to backtrack and set up a network on my XP as well. So I am following the instructions and I don't know what Routers were like in the days of xp, but my router does not have a flash drive....


It says to run

Network Setup Wizard

I do that. Network Wizard gives me the choice to do it

1)Using a USB Flash Drive (recommended) Using this method, you create netwrok settings once and save them to your flash drive. Then I am supposed to first insert the flash drive into my router and then my laptop ?
My router only has network cable holes- no usb
so option 2 is

2)manually. So I print out the stuff I need:

Wireless Settings

Network Name (SSID): the name I chose Network Key (WEP/WPA Key): a bunch of numbers Key Provided Automatically (802.1x): 0 Network Authentication Type: open Data Encryption Type: WEP Connection Type: ESS Key Index:

and then it says to enter this manually into my router. Excuse me? I am so lost.....

thanx !

[glc]

Verify both computers have Internet access.

Share Files and Printers between Windows 7 and XP - How-To Geek

Don't mess with the router, don't run the network setup wizard, and get rid of Network Magic.

[buildingit]

Thank you GLC. I just scanned those instructions- they apply to cases where the printer is attached to the Win 7 machine. My printer is attached to the XP.

Also, I set up the Lynksys rounter on the XP machine-

Both can see the internet no problems. But they can't see each other.

Do you happen to know of another link? I can't attached my printer to my Win 7 because the Win 7 is a laptop.

Maybe I should redo the router installation onto the laptop instead?(I don't want to- it's a LAPTOP?????)

PS
I see absolutely nothing has changed in the computer hardware world since I last delved into it- Always non stop incompatabilies and headaches- I think it's a disgrace that Microsoft just treats it's customers like this. I have wasted 3 hrs already and counting.

[buildingit]

Hi again- another thought: I think I won't be in a rush to solve this- I will just email my files back and forth for now- no biggie. It would be nice for the Win 7 laptop to use the printer- if there is an easy way to do that.

But I can buy a usb connector that will split the cable from the printer to the XP box in 2- and then have 2 cables running from the connector- 1 to the xp and 1 to the laptop?. The one to the laptop will ordinarily be unconnected to the laptop- I will just plug it in when I need to print- which for me is max 2 minutes a day anyway.

[glc]

Use the instructions I linked to get the 2 computers to at least see each other and share files - then there is a way to share the printer. Just skip anything in those instructions that refer to a printer for now. Then follow this:

Share a Printer from XP to Windows 7

It does not matter what computer you "set up" the router with - once configured, the router is neutral. You do NOT "install" a router on anything. If both computers have Internet access, LEAVE THE ROUTER ALONE, it's working.

Checklist for sharing:

Computers in the same workgroup (NOT homegroup)
Firewalls configured to allow file and print sharing
Something shared on each

[buildingit]

ok, ty GLC. I don't have time to do this right now but I will sometime this week.

I am wondering: do you think I should uninstall Network Magic first? It has already created a shared documents folder (on my XP) into which in has shared music etc. I am sorry-it did this when I ran it before posting- before I found out it needed more money to complete the job.

Also, re homegroup vs workgroup. I was already fiddleing with this and I was confused- on my Win 7, create a homegroup but call it workgroup? (that seemed the only way to do it but seems weird)

A final question re uninstalling Network Magic- yesterday, I don't know why but my wireless had to be restarted and the router rebouted. I think maybe the main cable went down because it was very windy. All I know is I came home and tried IE and it didn't work on either machine. So IE has a "diagnos problems" button, and I pressed that and it took a while but it fixed itself- the xp machine rebooted the router etc.

My question is that I didn't really pay attention to what software actually fixed the problem. Maybe it was Network Magic? Though, at first it was IE. But I just want to confirm that I don't need Network Magic to fix this sort of thing and that the alternative is easy.

Thanx!

[glc]

Uninstall Network Magic.

Do *NOT* set up a homegroup. Set up a workgroup as per the first image - in System Properties.

[buildingit]

ok, I uninstalled Network Magic.

I made sure both machines are members of the same Workgroup which by default is named Workgroup. They were already like that.

I looked at homegroup just in case I accidentally set one up yesterday and I did not- it says "no other homegroup computers are currently available"

Anyway, so I went to the next step in the link you posted- according to the instructions my xp machine should show up on my win 7 network listing- it does not show up. I tried both ways- with and without using a password protected sharing. Currently password protected sharing is turned off.


I rebooted both computers. XP still does not show up on win 7 and vice versa. The instructions seem to imply that this just happens miraculously? See, I have never taken steps to make any sort of workgroup- apart from checking to see that they are named workgroup- I have done nothing regarding workgroups....

thanx

[glc]

What are you using for firewalls? Have you shared something on both computers?

[buildingit]

Originally Posted by glc What are you using for firewalls? ...

My firewall is Shaw-Secure. Shaw is our local cable company. F-Secure (from Norway I believe) makes an anti-virus/firewall program. I think Shaw secure is the same as what F-Secure normally sells, just cosmetically taylored for Shaw- (Shaw colors etc).

So- ya, I think you may be saying the firewall settings aren't right?

Originally Posted by glc ............. Have you shared something on both computers?

No- I wish I mean, that is what I am trying to do? haha- I'm confused. I DO have a Shared Documents folder under My Computer- but it is dated to my last install date last October and there is nothing in it really. I certianly never created this folder deliberately.

Network Magic- it did mark some stuff as shared- or I really don't know what it did, but it is uninstalled now. That refers to the XP.

Nothing is shared on the Win 7- I am sure of that.

[buildingit]

ok-

my firewall on xp:

enabled (items with a green check mark):

• active FTP
• all outgoing
• commonly needed ICMP messages

(disabled?)items with a red cross:

• deny inbound computer browsing and file sharing
• block remote access to vunerable remote services
• deny rest

my firewwall for my Win 7:
firewall turned on for (green check mark):

• active FTP
• Outbound TCP and UDP traffic
• Commonly needed ICMP traffic
• Commonly needed ICMPv6 messages

then it says:
"your rules added here"

• Allow inbound computer browsing and file sharing from locat subnet- that is checked green!

• Deny inbound computer browsing and file sharing (that is marked red x)
• block remote access to vunerable local services (red x)
• deny rest (red x)

the thing is- I don't have the ability to change these settings? it doesn't seem like it...

they are different versions of shaw secure on the computers- the one on win 7 is newer


ps- I very briefly turned off the firewall on my win 7 machine buty still could not see the XP on its network

[glc]

You have to turn off all 3rd party firewalls! If you want to use F-Secure, use ONLY the antivirus and get rid of the firewall. Use the standard Windows firewall with file and print sharing allowed.

You share a folder by right clicking it and select Sharing........

[buildingit]

ok I turned off the F-secure firewalls. I rebooted the win 7 machine- rechecked that the firewall is still off. and I still can't see the xp.


I also shared my mp3 folder on the xp.

I still haven't done anything to set up a so-called home network?

[buildingit]

on windows xp I can right click My Network places and search for computers. I enter the name of my laptop but nothing shows up. I can also map network drives but I hesitate to do this. Nothing else shows up under My Network places except "my sites on MSN" which doesn't work anyway

[glc]

Did you do the settings in the advanced sharing settings on the Win 7 machine as per my first link? On the XP machine, in the properties of the Ethernet connection, is Client for Microsoft Networks and File and Printer Sharing enabled?

[ChoboSeki]

Homegroup
Set the same name for all computers

Ping Test
Try pinging the other computer:

computer #1
Start > Run > CMD
Type "ipconfig" (without quotations)
get the IP Address

computer #2
Start > Run > CMD
Type "ping ~ip~" (without quotations, and replace '~ip~' with the actual IP of the other computer)
example: ping 192.168.0.5

If it doesn't ping, the router might have a firewall enabled or denying local access (forget what it's called)

One of my router's denied access from WIRELESS to WIRED, may be your problem.

If it's access denied: Disable Windows 7 Password Protection - Allowing XP to access

(works for me)
Disable Password Protected Sharing — MAXIMUMpcguides – Windows 7 tips, tricks, help, and how-to guides

[glc]

Can't use Homegroup here - this is a mixed Windows 7/XP network.

[buildingit]

Originally Posted by glc Did you do the settings in the advanced sharing settings on the Win 7 machine as per my first link? On the XP machine, in the properties of the Ethernet connection, is Client for Microsoft Networks and File and Printer Sharing enabled?

Hi GLC,

win7 advanced settings:

o Turn on Network Discovery
o Turn on File & Printer Sharing
o Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files in the public folders
o Use 128 bit encryption (I also tried it with 40 bit but it didn't work- it is back at 128 bit)
o Turn off password protected sharing (the first time around- 2 days ago- I turned this on and created a second user account as per the instructions- that user account always shows up onmy computer. But for the last 2 days I have kept it this way and I log in as the admin)
o Allow Windows to manage homegroup connections (maybe this shoukld be off?- the other option is to use user accounts....)


Win xp Local Area Connections Properties

connect using SiS 900-based Fast Ethernet (maybe this is too old? I have another D-Link add on card but I don't know why I don't use it anymore- something didn't work- that was years ago. It is dissconnected . I have used the Sis throughout.)

checked: Client for Microsoft Networks
checked: File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
checked: QoS Packet sceduler
checked: internet protocol

On My computer, it shows:

My Network Places

Entire Network

Microsoft Windows Networks

Workgroup

yesterday, I swear, nothing below Entire Network showed up. There was never a workgroup.

On my win xp, Windows Firewall is turned on with the following exceptions:

• File and printer sharing
• itunes
• Network Diagnostics for win xp

under advanced settings however, Netowrk Connection Settings, it says "windows firewall is enabled for the connections selected belwo. To add exceptions for an individual connecttion, selectit and then click settings"

Both the d-link the sis are listed, but nothing is checked:
eh: ftp server, internet mail, etc.

that's all I can think of- thanks!

[buildingit]

Originally Posted by ChoboSeki Ping Test Try pinging the other computer: computer #1 Start > Run > CMD Type "ipconfig" (without quotations) get the IP Address computer #2 Start > Run > CMD Type "ping ~ip~" (without quotations, and replace '~ip~' with the actual IP of the other computer) example: ping 192.168.0.5.........

Hi ChoboSeki,

running CMD on win 7:

pinging ip with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=4ms TTL=48
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=48
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=48
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=48


running cmd on xp:
pinging ip with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from ip bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=48
Reply from ip bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=48
Reply from ip bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=48
Reply from ip bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=48

I wonder why the difference??????....

[glc]

Those pings are fine - you are pinging the IP of the other computer each time, right?

This means that the firewall is not blocking your networking.

On My computer, it shows: My Network Places Entire Network Microsoft Windows Networks Workgroup

That's exactly what you are supposed to see - and when you open Workgroup, you should see both computers. If you don't, that usually means that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is not enabled.

[buildingit]

Originally Posted by glc Those pings are fine - you are pinging the IP of the other computer each time, right?

arg..... hahah

ok, now it is:

running CMD on win 7:

pinging ip with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=4ms TTL=48
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=48
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=48
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=48


running cmd on xp:
pinging ip with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=7ms TTL=128
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=128
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=3ms TTL=128
Reply from ip bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=128



when getting the ip address of the win 7 machine (same as xp but ending in 1 not 0) it says ethernet adaptor Local area connection- media stae: media dissconnected, also tunne adaptor media state dissconnected. is that ok?

I will look at the netbio now

[ChoboSeki]

Originally Posted by glc Can't use Homegroup here - this is a mixed Windows 7/XP network.

Both Windows 7 and XP use workgroups and a lot of times when you can't see the other computer, it's because it's in a different workgroup and sometimes the other workgroup shows up, sometimes it doesn't.


Try going to \\IP to access the other computer's folders.
example: Start > Run > type: \\192.168.0.###

That SHOULD work. If it doesn't, then at least you know something is wrong with the settings on one of the computers.

@buildingit
If it's using wireless, then yes, they should be disconnected.

[buildingit]

Originally Posted by glc That's exactly what you are supposed to see - and when you open Workgroup, you should see both computers. If you don't, that usually means that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is not enabled.

ok, netbios was on its default. But it said that if static ip then it should be enabled (I am on Shaw cable so that means it is staic for at least a couple of months I think?). So I checked the enabled the netbios button.

but I still don't see anything under workgroup. do I have to reboot?

I have to go to work now- there are a milliuon things under that Local Area Connection properties.....

[buildingit]

Originally Posted by ChoboSeki Try going to \\IP to access the other computer's folders. example: Start > Run > type: \\192.168.0.### That SHOULD work. If it doesn't, then at least you know something is wrong with the settings on one of the computers.

The OS in CMD is not recogonizing the \\ I think.
at the root directory C:\>

I type \\198.168.0.###

and it replies:

"The filename, directory name, or volumelabel syntax is inncorrect"

Originally Posted by ChoboSeki @buildingit If it's using wireless, then yes, they should be disconnected.

thanx yes, the win 7 is wireless. the xp is hardwired.

[buildingit]

I am on Windows 7 Home Premium


and

XP Pro service Pack 3

maybe the home version has something to do with this?

[mojo]

Don't type \\192.168.x.x in the command prompt, type in in start>run from XP or the little search box at the bottom of the orb (start menu) in 7. You can also type it at the top of ANY windows explorer window if you have the address bar showing.

[buildingit]

Originally Posted by mojo Don't type \\192.168.x.x in the command prompt, type in in start>run from XP or the little search box at the bottom of the orb (start menu) in 7. You can also type it at the top of ANY windows explorer window if you have the address bar showing.

I am sorry. it's been a long time since I didled with this sort of stuff-

ok, so the Win 7 machine, in looking for the XP machine says "The remote device or resource won't accept the connection". The win 7 machine does see its own ip though.

The xp machine sees neither the win 7 machine or itself. It says "The network location cannot be reached" in both cases

[mojo]

You need to actually share some folders on both computers. Right-click, sharing/share with, you'll figure out the details.