Networking problem between Vista and XP machines

[Guest]

I am using a Lenovo notebook with Windows Vista Buisines preloaded and I am
unable to view XP machines or share files/printers on my network. This
problem ocurrs at my home and office which both have simple wireless networks
that run through wireless routers. I never had a problem sharing files and
printers with my XP notebook. I am however able to access the internet
through these networks. Any suggestions?

 

[Malke]

I am using a Lenovo notebook with Windows Vista Buisines preloaded and I am
unable to view XP machines or share files/printers on my network. This
problem ocurrs at my home and office which both have simple wireless networks
that run through wireless routers. I never had a problem sharing files and
printers with my XP notebook. I am however able to access the internet
through these networks. Any suggestions?

1. Make sure all firewalls are configured to allow the lan as trusted.
Recent antivirus programs have a firewall component so can slip under
the radar and go unnoticed.

2. Refer to this site for exact instructions for the Vista machine's setup:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx

3. Make sure all machines are in the same Workgroup. This did not matter
with older MS operating systems but apparently does with Vista.

4. Create identical user accounts and passwords on all machines.


Malke

 

[Guest]

It turns out it was Norton was running a firewall that I didn't know about so
problem solved, thank you.

 

[Malke]

It turns out it was Norton was running a firewall that I didn't know about so
problem solved, thank you.

Ah ha! And you're the umpty-umph person this has happened to. I'm so
glad you got it sorted. Thanks for taking the time to post the solution.


Malke

 

[Lou]

1. Make sure all firewalls are configured to allow the lan as trusted.
Recent antivirus programs have a firewall component so can slip under
the radar and go unnoticed.

2. Refer to this site for exact instructions for the Vista machine's setup:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx

3. Make sure all machines are in the same Workgroup. This did not matter
with older MS operating systems but apparently does with Vista.

4. Create identical user accounts and passwords on all machines.


Malke

Thanks for the reference for Vista machine's setup. Vista is new and
finding one's way around is time consuming. Excellent reference.

One point I've read very often is that one needs identical user
accounts and passwords on XP systems to share files. That is not the
case. XP Home, XP Pro and Vista can share files for reading and
updating without user accounts and passwords on all machines. It is
much easier to maintain and safe if one is behind routers and
firewalls.