help with network pasword please

greenery

I have a pc running vista. I have just got a laptop with windows 8
I want to share files, but i am being asked for a network password and username.
I have no idea what these could be. They must have been set up when we got the computer, years ago.
How can i find out or reset these?

Gyro

if its computer A that's asking for the password it probably wants the User name and password of the User on Computer B that you want to share the files with - (and/or vice-versa).

You'll have to make sure that the files or folders in question are made shareable first so that the other computer can see them.

Make sure you allow ONLY the ONE User (with a password) to share them rather than the whole world.

Right-click on the required files or folders and click on 'Sharing'

greenery

No it's not that. I don't believe i have a password on the pc. It is asking for the network username and password

CrazyRed

If it's the Homegroup Password that's wanted (that's the 'normal' one for sharing files, documents, music and printers between computers), then you can go into Control Panel > Network Center (Windows 8) and search in there for 'Homegroup'. This will give you the homegroup password that both computers will need to share files.

Been a long time since I played with Vista, but I'm certain you can search within Control Panel for 'Homegroup Settings' or 'Homegroup' and that will also give you the Homegroup password.

HTH

Gyro

Do they have a homegroup on Vista? I don't remember one.

Greenery - Do you mean that you don't have a Windows password at all? How do you manage that?

greenery

On my pc , i put my new laptop username and password and I can now see the laptop.
I want to be able to do the reverse.
I don't think i have any passwords on the pc running vista
Windows 8 is completely new to me so i really don't know what i am doing!

Gyro

When you first switch the Vista PC on it must ask you for a Windows password surely? I mean, you are prompted to make a password when you first install a new copy of any Windows I think.

If indeed you DON'T have a password on your Vista machine perhaps you should just leave the box empty (when asked on the Win8 laptop) and press ENTER.

Maybe with or without your PC User name (if you have one of those also?)

greenery

Gyro wrote: »

When you first switch the Vista PC on it must ask you for a password surely? I mean, you are prompted to make a password when you first install a new copy of any Windows I think.

No, not for as long as i can remember. We have never used a password

Gyro

OK. It's just never crossed my mind that was possible as I've always made one myself without thinking about it. Do you have a User Name(s) on the PC to try my other point?

Stooby2

You may find the quicker and easier way to do the transfer will be to copy them onto a memory stick from the Vista PC then onto the laptop.

I haven't played with Windows 8 much, but it might be that the laptop is trying to create a homegroup to allow file sharing.

Gyro

No Windows User password does mean though that anyone with access to your computer (including a possible burglar) only has to switch on your PC to be straight into Windows and thus also all your files. It's not safe at all!