No access of Vista shares from XP

[Guest]

I have 2 computers networked via a workgroup, 1 running Vista Home Premium
and the other XP MCE. I can access XP shared folders from Vista computer, but
cannot access anything other than public shared folders on Vista from XP.
Shares are visible, but "access denied" message received when trying to
access.(e.g. I have "C:/users" shared--I can access c:\users\public and
c:\users\default but get access denied for c:\users\username). Network
discovery, file sharing, public folder sharing, and media sharing on, and
password protected sharing off on vista. Simple file sharing is turned off
and "everyone" is provided access permission to the shared folders. Guest
account is enabled on both computers and user accounts are mirrored (blank
passwords) on both computers. I've found that if I add a password to the
account on Vista, when trying to access non-public shared Vista folders from
XP, I will get prompted to enter a user name and password, and then will get
access to all folders and subfolders of the share. However, this will not
work for other users (wife/kids) and I can't understand why I cannot access
shared files over the network without a password. I've tried many of the
fixes listed on this forum as well as much of the troubleshooting on
"PChuck's Network"
(http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.htm)
which is an outstanding source for anyone having file sharing problems
(thanks Chuck!) but still no workee. Can anyone help or provide additional
troubleshooting steps?
Thanks
Tom

 

[Robert L [MVP - Networking]]

Also make you assign rights in the Security tab. This search result may help,

Vista Permission IssuesPost Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 5:14 am Post subject: How to: check permissions using Vista icacls command, Reply with quote . ...
http://www.chicagotech.net/vista/vistapermission.htm


Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
I have 2 computers networked via a workgroup, 1 running Vista Home Premium
and the other XP MCE. I can access XP shared folders from Vista computer, but
cannot access anything other than public shared folders on Vista from XP.
Shares are visible, but "access denied" message received when trying to
access.(e.g. I have "C:/users" shared--I can access c:\users\public and
c:\users\default but get access denied for c:\users\username). Network
discovery, file sharing, public folder sharing, and media sharing on, and
password protected sharing off on vista. Simple file sharing is turned off
and "everyone" is provided access permission to the shared folders. Guest
account is enabled on both computers and user accounts are mirrored (blank
passwords) on both computers. I've found that if I add a password to the
account on Vista, when trying to access non-public shared Vista folders from
XP, I will get prompted to enter a user name and password, and then will get
access to all folders and subfolders of the share. However, this will not
work for other users (wife/kids) and I can't understand why I cannot access
shared files over the network without a password. I've tried many of the
fixes listed on this forum as well as much of the troubleshooting on
"PChuck's Network"
(http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.htm)
which is an outstanding source for anyone having file sharing problems
(thanks Chuck!) but still no workee. Can anyone help or provide additional
troubleshooting steps?
Thanks
Tom

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

I have 2 computers networked via a workgroup, 1 running Vista Home Premium
and the other XP MCE. I can access XP shared folders from Vista computer, but
cannot access anything other than public shared folders on Vista from XP.
Shares are visible, but "access denied" message received when trying to
access.(e.g. I have "C:/users" shared--I can access c:\users\public and
c:\users\default but get access denied for c:\users\username). Network
discovery, file sharing, public folder sharing, and media sharing on, and
password protected sharing off on vista. Simple file sharing is turned off
and "everyone" is provided access permission to the shared folders. Guest
account is enabled on both computers and user accounts are mirrored (blank
passwords) on both computers. I've found that if I add a password to the
account on Vista, when trying to access non-public shared Vista folders from
XP, I will get prompted to enter a user name and password, and then will get
access to all folders and subfolders of the share. However, this will not
work for other users (wife/kids) and I can't understand why I cannot access
shared files over the network without a password. I've tried many of the
fixes listed on this forum as well as much of the troubleshooting on
"PChuck's Network"
(http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.htm)
which is an outstanding source for anyone having file sharing problems
(thanks Chuck!) but still no workee. Can anyone help or provide additional
troubleshooting steps?
Thanks
Tom

Tom,

The thing about my web site is that is it under construction. Permanently.

If you are having trouble accessing anything in the personal space
("c:\documents and settings" OR "c:\users") on a mixed network, you'll need to
be aware of the junction point concept. I'd be very careful about this, and not
use personal space shares at all in a mixed network.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/07/windows-vista-and-personal-storage.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/07/windows-vista-and-personal-storage.html

Do you have similar experience with any shares outside personal space (not in
either "c:\documents and settings" OR "c:\users")? Have you setup any such
shares? If not, then do so, and see if this is the problem, please.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[Guest]

I have 2 computers networked via a workgroup, 1 running Vista Home Premium
and the other XP MCE. I can access XP shared folders from Vista computer, but
cannot access anything other than public shared folders on Vista from XP.
Shares are visible, but "access denied" message received when trying to
access.(e.g. I have "C:/users" shared--I can access c:\users\public and
c:\users\default but get access denied for c:\users\username). Network
discovery, file sharing, public folder sharing, and media sharing on, and
password protected sharing off on vista. Simple file sharing is turned off
and "everyone" is provided access permission to the shared folders. Guest
account is enabled on both computers and user accounts are mirrored (blank
passwords) on both computers. I've found that if I add a password to the
account on Vista, when trying to access non-public shared Vista folders from
XP, I will get prompted to enter a user name and password, and then will get
access to all folders and subfolders of the share. However, this will not
work for other users (wife/kids) and I can't understand why I cannot access
shared files over the network without a password. I've tried many of the
fixes listed on this forum as well as much of the troubleshooting on
"PChuck's Network"
(http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.htm)
which is an outstanding source for anyone having file sharing problems
(thanks Chuck!) but still no workee. Can anyone help or provide additional
troubleshooting steps?
Thanks
Tom

Tom,

The thing about my web site is that is it under construction. Permanently.

If you are having trouble accessing anything in the personal space
("c:\documents and settings" OR "c:\users") on a mixed network, you'll need to
be aware of the junction point concept. I'd be very careful about this, and not
use personal space shares at all in a mixed network.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/07/windows-vista-and-personal-storage.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/07/windows-vista-and-personal-storage.html

Do you have similar experience with any shares outside personal space (not in
either "c:\documents and settings" OR "c:\users")? Have you setup any such
shares? If not, then do so, and see if this is the problem, please.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

Chuck
Thanks for the reply. I set up a new Vista share (c:download) and I CAN
access it fine from XP without having to sign in. I also can access any and
all XP shared from Vista including C:documents and settings. (I have NO
problems accessing XP from Vista). While I understand need to be careful
using personal shares, what I am trying to do seems pretty basic: I want
"carrie" on XP to be able to access all of her "Users/Carrie" files on Vista
without having to enter a password. I CAN get this to work if I input a
non-blank password in Vista (which then forces XP to ask for login name and
password), but don't want to force either wife and especially kids down this
path. What is function of turning "password protected sharing" off if it is
not turned off for c:/users? Is there a way around this?
Added info: I was trying some alternative troubleshooting on XP, I mapped
the the "\\Vista\c:\users" directory to a network drive. This forced the user
logon prompt, and when logged in XP as "carrie", I could sign into Vista as
"tom" with my password and access "vista c:\users\carrie" (tom is an
administrator on both computers). While this helps to understand the problem,
its really not an acceptable work around. Any suggestions to get "simple"
file sharing to work? I really appreciate your time and expertice and
your perminantly under construction blog. Highly recommended to the thousands
of others who can't get Vista to share files...
Tom

 

[LoneStar]

I have 2 computers networked via a workgroup, 1 running Vista Home Premium
and the other XP MCE. I can access XP shared folders from Vista computer,
but
cannot access anything other than public shared folders on Vista from XP.

SNIP............

I can't help with your problem but would like to chime in and say that I
have the SAME problem as you. I've never tried the "password" option that
seems to work for you, but that shouldn't be necessary.

Everything works SO well on both my computers, Vista and XP, but the XP to
Vista access is becoming an impossibility. What's more frustrating is that
many helpful people giving solutions just don't offer clear, concise help.
My fault for being a dummy, I guess.

Bottom line: this shouldn't be this hard. My XP and ME system used to share
perfectly. Along comes Vista, and the only thing I can share is the Public
folder.

Thanks for "listening."

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

Chuck
Thanks for the reply. I set up a new Vista share (c:download) and I CAN
access it fine from XP without having to sign in. I also can access any and
all XP shared from Vista including C:documents and settings. (I have NO
problems accessing XP from Vista). While I understand need to be careful
using personal shares, what I am trying to do seems pretty basic: I want
"carrie" on XP to be able to access all of her "Users/Carrie" files on Vista
without having to enter a password. I CAN get this to work if I input a
non-blank password in Vista (which then forces XP to ask for login name and
password), but don't want to force either wife and especially kids down this
path. What is function of turning "password protected sharing" off if it is
not turned off for c:/users? Is there a way around this?
Added info: I was trying some alternative troubleshooting on XP, I mapped
the the "\\Vista\c:\users" directory to a network drive. This forced the user
logon prompt, and when logged in XP as "carrie", I could sign into Vista as
"tom" with my password and access "vista c:\users\carrie" (tom is an
administrator on both computers). While this helps to understand the problem,
its really not an acceptable work around. Any suggestions to get "simple"
file sharing to work? I really appreciate your time and expertice and
your perminantly under construction blog. Highly recommended to the thousands
of others who can't get Vista to share files...
Tom

Tom,

If you really want Carrie to be able to access personal files, on a Windows
Vista server, from a Windows XP client, only entering a password once (when
logging in to the client desktop) you have to do thus:
1) Setup Password Protected Sharing on the server.
2) Setup account Carrie, with non-blank password, on the Vista server, and
activate it for network access.
3) Setup account Carrie, with matching non-blank password, on the XP client.
4) Have Carrie login to the XP client using the account Carrie, and the right
password.

Carrie, and anybody else who wants to access personal files on the server, will
have to identify themselves on the client, using account name and password.
That account name and password must be matched on the server.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#NonGuest>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#NonGuest

If you turn PPS off, this gives you "Simple" File Sharing, and Guest only
access. Guest CANNOT access personal files.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#Guest>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#Guest

Do you follow the reasoning here?

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[Guest]

Chuck
Thanks so much--I follow your reasoning perfectly--what I was missing
previously was that "guest" cannot access personal files. I wish I had posted
weeks ago to get this answer. After learning way to much about how file
sharing works with Vista, much through your blog, I completely understand
your answer: THERE IS NOT A WAY TO SHARE PERSONAL FILES (c:users) ON AN
XP-VISTA WORKGROUP WITHOUT USING PASSWORDS! I really think that is absolutely
ridiculous, but what is really frustrating is that simple explanation is not
available anywhere in Windows help or via MS knowledge base. I apologize for
"shouting" above, but I know there are others with this same problem and I
hope someone else can benefit from my pain. Even after learning all about
access, permissions, authorization, SFS, PPS, etc, etc, the fact that guest
cannot access personal files and/or you can't network like previous versions
of windows should be better explained by MS. This, the recent discovery that
Vista Home Premium doesn't have basic fax capability, and a host of other
"nuisances" are driving me to spend money to go BACK to XP--perhaps that was
MS's plan?
Thanks again for your great support and clear explanations.
Tom

Lonestar--hope this "solves" your problem too. Good luck.

Chuck
Thanks for the reply. I set up a new Vista share (c:download) and I CAN
access it fine from XP without having to sign in. I also can access any and
all XP shared from Vista including C:documents and settings. (I have NO
problems accessing XP from Vista). While I understand need to be careful
using personal shares, what I am trying to do seems pretty basic: I want
"carrie" on XP to be able to access all of her "Users/Carrie" files on Vista
without having to enter a password. I CAN get this to work if I input a
non-blank password in Vista (which then forces XP to ask for login name and
password), but don't want to force either wife and especially kids down this
path. What is function of turning "password protected sharing" off if it is
not turned off for c:/users? Is there a way around this?
Added info: I was trying some alternative troubleshooting on XP, I mapped
the the "\\Vista\c:\users" directory to a network drive. This forced the user
logon prompt, and when logged in XP as "carrie", I could sign into Vista as
"tom" with my password and access "vista c:\users\carrie" (tom is an
administrator on both computers). While this helps to understand the problem,
its really not an acceptable work around. Any suggestions to get "simple"
file sharing to work? I really appreciate your time and expertice and
your perminantly under construction blog. Highly recommended to the thousands
of others who can't get Vista to share files...
Tom

Tom,

If you really want Carrie to be able to access personal files, on a Windows
Vista server, from a Windows XP client, only entering a password once (when
logging in to the client desktop) you have to do thus:
1) Setup Password Protected Sharing on the server.
2) Setup account Carrie, with non-blank password, on the Vista server, and
activate it for network access.
3) Setup account Carrie, with matching non-blank password, on the XP client.
4) Have Carrie login to the XP client using the account Carrie, and the right
password.

Carrie, and anybody else who wants to access personal files on the server, will
have to identify themselves on the client, using account name and password.
That account name and password must be matched on the server.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#NonGuest>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#NonGuest

If you turn PPS off, this gives you "Simple" File Sharing, and Guest only
access. Guest CANNOT access personal files.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#Guest>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#Guest

Do you follow the reasoning here?

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

Chuck
Thanks so much--I follow your reasoning perfectly--what I was missing
previously was that "guest" cannot access personal files. I wish I had posted
weeks ago to get this answer. After learning way to much about how file
sharing works with Vista, much through your blog, I completely understand
your answer: THERE IS NOT A WAY TO SHARE PERSONAL FILES (c:users) ON AN
XP-VISTA WORKGROUP WITHOUT USING PASSWORDS! I really think that is absolutely
ridiculous, but what is really frustrating is that simple explanation is not
available anywhere in Windows help or via MS knowledge base. I apologize for
"shouting" above, but I know there are others with this same problem and I
hope someone else can benefit from my pain. Even after learning all about
access, permissions, authorization, SFS, PPS, etc, etc, the fact that guest
cannot access personal files and/or you can't network like previous versions
of windows should be better explained by MS. This, the recent discovery that
Vista Home Premium doesn't have basic fax capability, and a host of other
"nuisances" are driving me to spend money to go BACK to XP--perhaps that was
MS's plan?
Thanks again for your great support and clear explanations.
Tom

Lonestar--hope this "solves" your problem too. Good luck.

Thanks for the feedback, Tom. I had a lot of fun (mental challenge) reasoning
it out, though it's been on my mind for some time. And I don't really blame you
for shouting. Finding something like that out, out of the blue, would make me
want to shout too.

Anyway, that's Guest access for you.

So thanks for the feedback, and I'm glad that we reached understanding, if not
satisfaction.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[Guest]

Chuck
Thanks so much--I follow your reasoning perfectly--what I was missing
previously was that "guest" cannot access personal files. I wish I had posted
weeks ago to get this answer. After learning way to much about how file
sharing works with Vista, much through your blog, I completely understand
your answer: THERE IS NOT A WAY TO SHARE PERSONAL FILES (c:users) ON AN
XP-VISTA WORKGROUP WITHOUT USING PASSWORDS! I really think that is absolutely
ridiculous, but what is really frustrating is that simple explanation is not
available anywhere in Windows help or via MS knowledge base. I apologize for
"shouting" above, but I know there are others with this same problem and I
hope someone else can benefit from my pain. Even after learning all about
access, permissions, authorization, SFS, PPS, etc, etc, the fact that guest
cannot access personal files and/or you can't network like previous versions
of windows should be better explained by MS. This, the recent discovery that
Vista Home Premium doesn't have basic fax capability, and a host of other
"nuisances" are driving me to spend money to go BACK to XP--perhaps that was
MS's plan?
Thanks again for your great support and clear explanations.
Tom

Lonestar--hope this "solves" your problem too. Good luck.

Thanks for the feedback, Tom. I had a lot of fun (mental challenge) reasoning
it out, though it's been on my mind for some time. And I don't really blame you
for shouting. Finding something like that out, out of the blue, would make me
want to shout too.

Anyway, that's Guest access for you.

So thanks for the feedback, and I'm glad that we reached understanding, if not
satisfaction.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

Chuck
Thanks again once more. Now that I understand guest sharing and that
personal files are not shared like other files in vista, other things make
more sense. One of those things was that the "share" button was not
accessible for c:users--I had to use "advanced sharing", which worked just
fine, but I couldn't figure out why the share wizard was not available, per
all the help files and blogs. That took me down a rather long rabbit trail of
recycling options in explorer, changing the registry, and checking patches,
thinking something was wrong with my computer and/or vista. It wasn't until
you had me share another directory, which took me backwards enough, to see
that the "share" option WAS available for that directory. Just posting this
for other's benefits.
Hindsight is always 20-20, but this is just another facet of where
documentation and help for all Vista's changes just doesn't cut it. Had I
known Wista treats sharing of user files differently than other directories,
much time and frustration would have been saved. Thanks again for all your
help.
Tom

 

[Guest]

Hi Chuck:

At first I thought you were me. The same problem here NOW. When I first
added the Vista system to our network file sharing worked perfectly from the
laptop and other desk tops (all XP Home systems) to the vista system and visa
versa. Then, seemingly out of the blue (no screen pun intended), access from
the XP systems to the Vista system was blocked but the Vista system still
communicated with the XP systems fine.

From an XP system if I search for the Vista computer I then have access to
the Vista files but this is a non fix for normal operations and for file
copying across the network for backups. The connection from the XP system to
the Vista system is simply not always there. It would be nice if a scheduled
task could rely on that connection. I will definately keep watch here for a
soultion.

George

 

[Guest]

Hi there. Sorry, first time using this form of communication and may be
going about it wrong.

I'm also having a problem opening Word documents created in Vista. I have
two separate computers. One Vista and the other XP. When I trasfer Vista
Word documents via flash drive, external hard drive or CD to my XP computer,
I can no longer open those Word files. There appears to be a file differece
between them, DocX in vista and Doc in XP.

Can anyone advise on how to correct this problem both on current Docs and
those in the future?

Thanks very much in advance for any suggestions.

Mike
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Michael]

Mike,
That is not a Vista / XP issue. It is a Word version issue. Word 2007 has a
new format docx that it likes as default. Previous versions of Word cannot
use that version.

In Word 2007, use "save as" and select a format compatible with your version
of Word on your XP.
(or get Word 2007 for your XP machine).

Michael

 

[Tom Allen]

Hi there. Sorry, first time using this form of communication and may
be
going about it wrong.

I'm also having a problem opening Word documents created in Vista. I
have
two separate computers. One Vista and the other XP. When I trasfer
Vista
Word documents via flash drive, external hard drive or CD to my XP
computer,
I can no longer open those Word files. There appears to be a file
differece
between them, DocX in vista and Doc in XP.

Can anyone advise on how to correct this problem both on current Docs
and
those in the future?

Thanks very much in advance for any suggestions.

Mike
(e-mail address removed)

Mike
have a look at the 'Office Compatibilty Pack', the file is 'File format
Converters.exe.' Search for Knowledge Base article KB 924074.

Tom

 

[Guest]

MZM Mike

I am glad you asked that question. I am afraid I have a rather dumb
question that is somewhat related.
Once I save the file once in the docx format, how do I go back and "Save As"
in another word format? I can't find the "Save AS" function after a document
is saved once.
TKU
Rainey

 

[NickR]

I just stumbled across your back and forth with Chuck. I am having the same
problem that initiated your discussion. What bugs me is that when I first got
my Vista laptop, I was able to set things up so that I could view the User
files on my Vista from my XP pc without having to do what Chuck suggested. I
recently had to return the laptop to have the HD replaced and now am unable
to reconfigure things the way they were. So, my experience says that you can
access User files without having to use passwords. This of course is not
helping me to solve my problem.

:




:


I have 2 computers networked via a workgroup, 1 running Vista Home Premium
and the other XP MCE. I can access XP shared folders from Vista computer, but
cannot access anything other than public shared folders on Vista from XP.
Shares are visible, but "access denied" message received when trying to
access.(e.g. I have "C:/users" shared--I can access c:\users\public and
c:\users\default but get access denied for c:\users\username). Network
discovery, file sharing, public folder sharing, and media sharing on, and
password protected sharing off on vista. Simple file sharing is turned off
and "everyone" is provided access permission to the shared folders. Guest
account is enabled on both computers and user accounts are mirrored (blank
passwords) on both computers. I've found that if I add a password to the
account on Vista, when trying to access non-public shared Vista folders from
XP, I will get prompted to enter a user name and password, and then will get
access to all folders and subfolders of the share. However, this will not
work for other users (wife/kids) and I can't understand why I cannot access
shared files over the network without a password. I've tried many of the
fixes listed on this forum as well as much of the troubleshooting on
"PChuck's Network"
(http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.htm)
which is an outstanding source for anyone having file sharing problems
(thanks Chuck!) but still no workee. Can anyone help or provide additional
troubleshooting steps?
Thanks
Tom

Tom,

The thing about my web site is that is it under construction. Permanently.

If you are having trouble accessing anything in the personal space
("c:\documents and settings" OR "c:\users") on a mixed network, you'll need to
be aware of the junction point concept. I'd be very careful about this, and not
use personal space shares at all in a mixed network.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/07/windows-vista-and-personal-storage.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/07/windows-vista-and-personal-storage.html

Do you have similar experience with any shares outside personal space (not in
either "c:\documents and settings" OR "c:\users")? Have you setup any such
shares? If not, then do so, and see if this is the problem, please.

Chuck
Thanks for the reply. I set up a new Vista share (c:download) and I CAN
access it fine from XP without having to sign in. I also can access any and
all XP shared from Vista including C:documents and settings. (I have NO
problems accessing XP from Vista). While I understand need to be careful
using personal shares, what I am trying to do seems pretty basic: I want
"carrie" on XP to be able to access all of her "Users/Carrie" files on Vista
without having to enter a password. I CAN get this to work if I input a
non-blank password in Vista (which then forces XP to ask for login name and
password), but don't want to force either wife and especially kids down this
path. What is function of turning "password protected sharing" off if it is
not turned off for c:/users? Is there a way around this?
Added info: I was trying some alternative troubleshooting on XP, I mapped
the the "\\Vista\c:\users" directory to a network drive. This forced the user
logon prompt, and when logged in XP as "carrie", I could sign into Vista as
"tom" with my password and access "vista c:\users\carrie" (tom is an
administrator on both computers). While this helps to understand the problem,
its really not an acceptable work around. Any suggestions to get "simple"
file sharing to work? I really appreciate your time and expertice and
your perminantly under construction blog. Highly recommended to the thousands
of others who can't get Vista to share files...
Tom

Tom,

If you really want Carrie to be able to access personal files, on a Windows
Vista server, from a Windows XP client, only entering a password once (when
logging in to the client desktop) you have to do thus:
1) Setup Password Protected Sharing on the server.
2) Setup account Carrie, with non-blank password, on the Vista server, and
activate it for network access.
3) Setup account Carrie, with matching non-blank password, on the XP client.
4) Have Carrie login to the XP client using the account Carrie, and the right
password.

Carrie, and anybody else who wants to access personal files on the server, will
have to identify themselves on the client, using account name and password.
That account name and password must be matched on the server.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#NonGuest>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#NonGuest

If you turn PPS off, this gives you "Simple" File Sharing, and Guest only
access. Guest CANNOT access personal files.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#Guest>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#Guest

Do you follow the reasoning here?

Chuck
Thanks so much--I follow your reasoning perfectly--what I was missing
previously was that "guest" cannot access personal files. I wish I had posted
weeks ago to get this answer. After learning way to much about how file
sharing works with Vista, much through your blog, I completely understand
your answer: THERE IS NOT A WAY TO SHARE PERSONAL FILES (c:users) ON AN
XP-VISTA WORKGROUP WITHOUT USING PASSWORDS! I really think that is absolutely
ridiculous, but what is really frustrating is that simple explanation is not
available anywhere in Windows help or via MS knowledge base. I apologize for
"shouting" above, but I know there are others with this same problem and I
hope someone else can benefit from my pain. Even after learning all about
access, permissions, authorization, SFS, PPS, etc, etc, the fact that guest
cannot access personal files and/or you can't network like previous versions
of windows should be better explained by MS. This, the recent discovery that
Vista Home Premium doesn't have basic fax capability, and a host of other
"nuisances" are driving me to spend money to go BACK to XP--perhaps that was
MS's plan?
Thanks again for your great support and clear explanations.
Tom

Lonestar--hope this "solves" your problem too. Good luck.

Thanks for the feedback, Tom. I had a lot of fun (mental challenge) reasoning
it out, though it's been on my mind for some time. And I don't really blame you
for shouting. Finding something like that out, out of the blue, would make me
want to shout too.

Anyway, that's Guest access for you.

So thanks for the feedback, and I'm glad that we reached understanding, if not
satisfaction.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

Chuck
Thanks again once more. Now that I understand guest sharing and that
personal files are not shared like other files in vista, other things make
more sense. One of those things was that the "share" button was not
accessible for c:users--I had to use "advanced sharing", which worked just
fine, but I couldn't figure out why the share wizard was not available, per
all the help files and blogs. That took me down a rather long rabbit trail of
recycling options in explorer, changing the registry, and checking patches,
thinking something was wrong with my computer and/or vista. It wasn't until
you had me share another directory, which took me backwards enough, to see
that the "share" option WAS available for that directory. Just posting this
for other's benefits.
Hindsight is always 20-20, but this is just another facet of where
documentation and help for all Vista's changes just doesn't cut it. Had I
known Wista treats sharing of user files differently than other directories,
much time and frustration would have been saved. Thanks again for all your
help.
Tom