Help networking A vista and an XP machine.

hi everyone,

I have three computers, A, B and C. A is running vista home premium, B running xp pro sp3 and C on xp SP3. A & B are laptops, c is a desk top.

I have been searching and trying things for the last 4 hours on how to share files and folder and printers over the network on these three computers. I started on C and set it up with a workgroup, amnd set up the shared folders, and the printer that is connected.

Then I went to laptop b and did the same thing. Set up the workgroup, set up shared folders, and located the network printer, and did some test file transfers, and a test print. AWESOME, this is so easy. I can't wait to get this working. So far so good, right? WRONG!!

Now comes the Vista machine. Computer A. I go into the settings, and I am tying to change the workgroup to match the one I set up on the other too machines, and I CANT. It is grayed out and I cannot give my network a new workgroup. What am I doing wrong? I am trying everything I find in searches, and cannot find a solution. I tried this link http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx , and i still don't work. I'm lost. Can anyone help?

TIA
Walter

 

only vista business and ultimate can change workgroups. there are no workarounds for that. however, there are workarounds that will allow you to network the laptops, and even share files. those workarounds are very tough though, and very specific to what you're trying to do, and in my opinion, not worth it.

try just changing the xp computers' workgroups to match the vista computer's workgroup, or just use a USB to transfer whatever you're trying to.

 

Ok, so all that searching and you are the first person to say that. Im not mad, just I've see 20+ post asking the same thing and you where the first to say that. Oh well. Well on a side note, I did change on of the computers to the same work group, and was able to see and copy files from the vista computer, but was not able to copy or see the Xp computer from my vista machine. I am done trying for the nite due to frustration with Microsoft. i will try again tomorrow with setting up new workgroups, and hopefully I will be able to access all computers. ARGH. Microsoft.

 

I am very interested in this thread. I got the same problem yesterday when I tried to network my lap top (Vista Ultimate 64) and my friends desktop (XP Profesional SP2)

notice the service pack...

our goal was to configure a network for gaming using a crossover cable. We used the same workgroup name but additionally we configured the IPs of both systems (didnt use the auto ip used by both Windows).... we just used 2 ips: 192.168.1.7 and 192.168.1.9 (for example)

we played a couple of hours almost every game (COD5 couldnt) however I noticed that we were not able to see each other system in the network. nevermind... we could play.

 

I'm also struggling with this. My main computer (desktop) is XP Pro SP3. One laptop is XP Media Center Edition and the other laptop is Vista Business.

I used the Wireless Network Setup Wizard on the XP desktop and transferred the network settings to the 2 laptops using a flash drive. For the life of me I can not "find" the workgroup computers to even attempt to share files between the computers.

 

Ok, I switched all my computers to vista's WORKGROUP, and now I can see my vista machine from each of my xp ones. I can copy to and from it using the xp ones, but I still can't see either xp computer on the vista machine. All my settings are the same as in the microsoft website. Also I can ping the xp machines just fine. ARGH. Any ideas?

 

Can you see the XP computers from your Vista computer if you try to access it by name?

Type \\XPComputer_Name into File Explorer

Also try it by IP address \\IPAddress

I assume if you can ping it, then its only a matter of if the firewall is blocking the file share port. If you can access it by name and/or IP address, but you can't see it under the network neighborhood, then try installing the Link Layer Topography Discovery.

This is suppose to help with the Network map in the Network sharing center, not the network neighborhood icon in File Explorer. But some people have had success after installing it.......

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

 

I am surprised that after so many months we don't have a guide here in NBR nor a clear answer from Microsoft on how to network a Vista and a XP computers.

 

Ok, I think I got it. It appears that Workstation Service wasn't started. I started it, and I am able to see and access my computers. It still dont show the other computers on my Network Map, but as long as I can access them, I am ok with that for now. For the record, I Officially now hate vista. Oh well

 

Ok, just checked my map. This is what it shows in the pic below. I am assuming it has something to do with LLTD? Well everytime I try to install it, it say I don't need to because I have SP3. I can deal with it, but if someone knows why please inform my dumba$$.
TIA

Walter

 

did you install the LLTD patch on the XP

http://www.microsoft.com/DOWNLOADS/...1D-EE46-481E-BA11-37F485FA34EA&displaylang=en

 

I've tried several times, but after I download and install it, it says there is no need because this version of XP is already updated. It was suppose to be included in XP SP3, and both of my XP machines are SP3.

 

I hate this problems too. try to set a network between a macbook like my wife has with my desktop with vista on it. it a nightmare!

 

let's back up...is the goal here to connect the two together, or get the thing to show on your network map?

 

The goal is to get them to show on my network map. I did finally get them connected throough my router. If you check the picture I last posted, it shows my vista comp to the router to the internet. Then on the bottom of the map, it say these two computers cannot be placed on the map, and then shows the 2 xp machines. I am able to access everything now though through my network. i just want to see this really cool network map.

 

Ahh, well, even with LLTD, all it does is place it on the map--it doesn't place it correctly. I don't think you can achieve your goal. You should see my network when everything is on--it's looks like a freaking Marcel Duchamp painting....

 

Figures. Microsoft. Argh oh well. It was a thought. Thanks tho.

Walter

 

It really doesn't take much to network the two together. Microsoft has a clear guide on how to network the two computers together....


http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/6ed24a90-6b57-4f0f-a3b3-e521ae945f331033.mspx