Accessing computers on my home network

[vista to xp]

My home network consists of 1 vista pc and 1 xp pc connected through a router.
the xp machine has 3 users, with no passwords set, the vista pc has 1 user
with password set.

i see both computers on the network, but when i try to access the xp pc from
the vista pc, it prompts me for a user name and password, but recall that the
users do not have passwords set. i try putting user names and leaving the
password field blank but it won't allow me access.

how do i access the shared files on the xp pc with or without having to put
a password?

Help is appreciated.

 

[Jack \(MVP-Networking\).]

Hi
Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings,
http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html
As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what it is
allowed to be shared.
Vista File and Printer Sharing-
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx
Basic XP -
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/filesharing.mspx
Advanced XP - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040
Printer Sharing XP -
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx
Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357
Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120
Jack (MVP-Networking).

 

[Steve Winograd]

On Tue, 25 Dec 2007 12:20:00 -0800, vista to xp <vista to

My home network consists of 1 vista pc and 1 xp pc connected through a router.
the xp machine has 3 users, with no passwords set, the vista pc has 1 user
with password set.

i see both computers on the network, but when i try to access the xp pc from
the vista pc, it prompts me for a user name and password, but recall that the
users do not have passwords set. i try putting user names and leaving the
password field blank but it won't allow me access.

how do i access the shared files on the xp pc with or without having to put
a password?

Help is appreciated.

Does the XP machine have Windows XP Home Edition? If so:

1. Make sure that networked access via the Guest account is enabled by
opening a command prompt window and typing:

net user guest /active:yes

2. Remove any network password from the Guest account:

a. Click Start > Run.
b. Type "control userpasswords2" in the box and click OK.
c. Click Guest.
d. Click Reset Password.
e. Click OK without entering a new password.

Does the XP machine have Windows XP Professional? If so, first
determine whether "simple file sharing" is enabled or disabled:

1. In My Computer, click Tools > Folder Options > View.
2. Scroll to the end of the list of advanced settings.
3. Look at the box "Use simple file sharing".

If simple file sharing is enabled (box is checked), follow the two
steps listed above for Windows XP Home Edition.

If simple file sharing is disabled (box is not checked), set up
matching user accounts (same user name and non-empty password) on all
computers.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

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