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How to connect to shared files on homegroup

14 years ago

I have a home group set up with a WIN7 computer and an XP computer. I can access my shared WIN7 computers HP4500 printer from the XP since the computer has the shared printer listed as the default printer and works fine. However I do not know how to access shared documents from WIN7 from XP. Will someone tell me what to do to connect to the shared files from both the WIN7 and XP?

John W.

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Comments (4)

zep516
14 years ago
Hi john4291,
Networking home computers running different versions of Windows

If I were doing this I'd have to do a little research. I have done some for you and provided a link for you.

Let us know how you get along,

Joe

Here is a link that might be useful: Networking home computers running different versions of Windows
zep516
14 years ago
One of the many new innovations included in Windows 7 is a much improved system of home networking called HomeGroup. As well as offering easier and more diverse allocation of permissions to shared content, access is protected by a password which, for small business networks, is a necessity.

As soon as Windows 7 is installed, it creates a default HomeGroup. If it detects an existing HomeGroup, you will be given the opportunity to join, but you will need the password. For home and small business users, HomeGroup is an excellent tool, but there is a problem.

HomeGroup only works when all other machines on the network have Windows 7 installed, which in the short term, may not be the case. There will be many situations where the network has XP or Vista machines as part of the network, in addition to Windows 7. So, how is it possible to get them all to work together?

Please see this link too!

Here is a link that might be useful: -existing-xp-vista-network.
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it can be done and once you figure out what it is it is very quick and easy unfortunately I can not remember but I did find it by googling and it was easy to find. I did post the info here for someone so searching here may turn it up also. Have you checked to make sure every single computer in the network has the same workgroup name and printer share name every thing has to be exactly the same on all. this is one site I did use Sharing Files In Windows 7 Setting up your HomeGroup Share a Printer on Your Network from Vista or XP to Windows 7 this one may be the one that helped me out do the directions given by jimbo45 be sure you use the actual names of your computers and printer instead of the example names he uses. 7 Printer sharing
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What have you done so far? Did you go through the network and sharing settings of Control Panel, set up a homegroup with the wizard (and then you're given a short password), and then try to connect the PCs to it? What version of Windows?
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john4291
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks zep, there was some good info in the links. I finally was able to do it by a hit and miss manner. Here is an outline of what I did:
CONNECT TO XP FROM W7
GO TO NETWORK AND SHARING CENTER
CLICK ON See full map
CLICK ON WINTTER AT BOTTOM OF DROPDOWN
CLICK ON WINTTER AGAIN
A LIST OF SHARED FILES WILL BE DISPLAYED
With this list I was able to connect to music, files, etc.
You saved me a lot more time!
zep516
14 years ago
It's always hit or miss and a learning process along the way.

Joe

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