How to Share Files between Windows 7 and XP

     If you have a home network and are running Windows 7 and have XP on other PC(s) you might want to share files between them.  Today we will look at the steps to share files and hardware devices like a printer.

Sharing Files In Windows 7 and XP

     Sharing folders between two Windows 7 machines with the new HomeGroup feature is an easy process, but the HomeGroup feature is not compatible with Vista or XP.  For this tutorial we are using Windows 7 32 bit and XP Professional SP3 connected through a basic Linksys home wireless router.

     First make sure both machines are members of the same Workgroup which by default is named Workgroup.



     On the Windows 7 machine go into Control Panel \ All Control Panel Items \ Network and Sharing Center then click on Change advanced sharing settings.





     You will want to verify the following settings under Advanced Sharing Settings for the Home or Work and Public profile.



     If you want any user to have access the public shares turn off password protection.  This is located in Advanced Sharing Settings toward the bottom of the list.



     If you want to keep it enabled make sure there is a log in account for the other XP machines and they have a password.



     Now if you go into Network in Windows 7 you should see your XP machine and the Windows 7 as well which in this case is tiuperman-PC.