cannot access shared folder on Vista x86 from XP

[the_net_2.0]

can anyone give me a checklist of things to know when trying to connect to a shared folder on a networked machine? I cannot connect my two machines over the same router network, either way. Here are some of the specs:

*Accessing the LT from the DT prompts for a username, although a login is not required for my LT.

*Access the DT from my LT works for the computer only, but clicking on any shared folder results in this error.

What things should I look for first? I've covered a lot of basics already via google, but I'm looking for other insight.

thanks.

 

[JamesMcS]

Vista is a horrible, horrible OS for networking with other systems... I've had all sorts of problems but the first thing I can think to check is your network protocols on both machines. I *think* I solved this once by adding the Novell Netware BIOS one to both connections, then it worked fine... Obviously there's things like the firewall to check, and whether or not you can ping one machine from the other...

 

[the_net_2.0]

james,

i had two used XP machines before this one and setting up simple file sharing made it work on those. both ways - with the same vista x86 machine to work with. all 3 machines have been refurb'd IBM thinkpad laptops.

this machine is different somehow. I will try your thoughts. any others though?

 

[JamesMcS]

XP is fine to share between itself, but I think Vista treats networking slightly differently (and badly). Things to consider:

Can all the machines ping each other?
Are all the machines part of the same workgroup/domain?
If the machines can see each other, are folder permissions set properly?
Are firewalls set to allow file sharing?

Er, probably a million other things. Let us know the answers to the above and we'll go from there

 

[Vassago]

It may be different in Vista, but this is what I had to do in Seven to share files without a username, even after the folders were set up to share:

Open Network and Sharing Center from the Control Panel.
Look for "Change Advanced Sharing Settings."
Make sure you have "Turn on network discovery," "Turn on file and printer sharing," "Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files in the public folders," and finally "Turn off password protected sharing."

This should disable that prompt for a username and allow them to see the files, provided you have set up the folder to share correctly. All security is handled at the folder level, after these steps are followed. It will prompt for a password until the above is removed.

These are the steps I took in Windows 7 to share with XP, my Wii, and my PS3. The new network security settings in Vista and 7 are really not friendly to systems outside Vista and 7. I also remember reading Vista had a much harder time with them than 7.

Hope that helps!

 

[jack9]

I think file sharing between vista and XP is not compatible also if it is an application you want to share with vista. I think vista still cannot determine what kind of file you are trying to access.