Wireless file sharing between PC (Vista) and laptop (XP)

cid_2

Hi - begging for info after an evening of maddening frustration here. I've looked in the 'wireless' thread in this sub-forum but it doesn't seem to have been covered.

I'm trying to do as the subject line suggests: share files/folders between my desktop PC, running Vista, and my laptop, running XP. Both are connected to the internet via the same Belkin wireless router.

I've attempted to run network wizards on both computers. I've made sure the folders are shared through explorer (right-click, sharing, etc). I don't know for certain that the two computers are in the same workgroup, which may be where I'm going wrong I suppose - is there a way to set up a new workgroup with just these two computers in so they can access each other?

It should be noted that if look at Network from the start menu on the Vista machine, it does list the laptop so it can obviously see it. But when I try to access it, it asks me for a username and password and I've no idea what goes in there. I've tried using the username and password I use to log into the laptop but it doesn't work.

No step-by-step guide I've found on the internet has helped me, including the lengthy one on the Microsoft site as it simply ends up with this username and password thing again. If possible I want to be able to access each computer from the other without having to put in usernames and passwords. The network is secured from outside interference.

If anyone looks at that and spots a glaring blunder please let me know. I was worryingly close to reassigning the laptop as a frisbee last night so any help would be great.

silvercar

We did similar and it worked, though trial and error rather than any knowledge. If your network is secure you will need to add the password for the network to the laptop, before it will let you see files. But this will mean adding the passkey, not a username.

I think you do need to make a group for the laptop with the computer.

We first got the laptop to connect to the internet and then when that worked, made a group containing the laptop an PC. I remember there was a lot of ping-ing back and for to see if they could see each other.

Conor_3

It's to do with the permissions on the shared folder. Can't remember how to do it OTTOMH but if you right click on the shared folder and select sharing, the next bit that opens should have a tab which says Permissions. Click on that, make sure under users that "Everybody" is there (or click add user and add it) and that they have write and read ticked if that's the access you want.

Also make sure Windows Firewall has File and Printer Sharing added to the list of exceptions.

In Vista, go to control panel, Network and Sharing Center. Make sure that Network discovery, file sharing, public folder sharing and printer sharing are all turned on. Make sure password protected sharing is turned OFF. You should be able to access the vista computer from the XP one.

cid_2

I've done all that Conor, unfortunately. If trial and error is going to be the only way to get it to work I think I'm doomed - any more of that and I'll lose my few remaining marbles. Seems ridiculous that Windows makes something so easy so hard.

I found a free program called Wipeer that does a useful job of sharing individual files, but I need to copy a load of files from one place to another and maddeningly it only seems to let me do one at a time, unless I'm buffooning.

Freddie_Snowbits

It could be down to the Router being in an exclusive mode for each wireless connection, where both wireless connected PCs cannot see each other. Your router guide will point this out.

Conor_3

cid wrote: »

I've done all that Conor, unfortunately. If trial and error is going to be the only way to get it to work I think I'm doomed - any more of that and I'll lose my few remaining marbles. Seems ridiculous that Windows makes something so easy so hard..

XP File and Printer Sharing is broken. It's been broken for a long time. There are so many issues with it it's unreal. Thankfully they're fixed in Vista.