Vista desktop unable to view XP desktops over network [closed]

Question

I've been having trouble with networking lately. I have one vista machine and two XP machines connected to the same network. All three have the proper file sharing settings, firewall exceptions, and connectivity to access each other, but while the two XP machines can interact, the Vista one remains out of the loop. Any ideas for a fix?

Answer 1

Vista's networking is incompatible with XP. Done on purpose, of course.
To enable the XPs to participate in Vista's network, you must install Link Layer Topology Discovery.

I would fix this first, then test again.
If it still doesn't work, I would turn off all firewalls and try again.
If it still doesn't work, try using the IP addresses of the machines instead of their names (ipconfig in a cmd box will give you these addresses). Try pinging the machines to test connectivity.
If it still doesn't work, go buy a beer at the pub.

Answer 2

Edit: With Windows 7 (much like Vista) I had to set the network location type to

"Public The computer is connected to a network that has a direct connection to the Internet. Examples of public network types are public Internet access networks such as those found in airports, libraries, and coffee shops."

in order for XP to see it. This may not be the best answer, as it sounds like it might defeat some of Vista's built-in security, but it did allow my XP machine to see the newer computer. I also ended up having to create a username/password on the 'Vista' machine, with permissions to the shared folders that I wanted, that I then used when I connected from the XP machine. Of course, you can also use Vista's built-in Public folders for file sharing (without having to mess with creating users).

However, it sounds like you're having the reverse problem? Where Vista can't see the XP machines? Make sure all machines belong to the same workgroup name...

From http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Differences in File and Printer Sharing in Windows Vista

The differences in file and printer sharing in Windows Vista are the following:

The default workgroup name in Windows Vista has been changed to WORKGROUP. In Windows® XP Home Edition, the default workgroup name is MSHOME. If you upgrade a computer running Windows XP Home Edition to Windows Vista, it will keep its existing workgroup name. However, new computers with Windows Vista can have a different workgroup name than the other computers on your network. With different workgroups, it takes more time and effort to view all of the computers on the network.

Windows Vista uses the Public folder, rather than the Shared Documents folder in Windows XP, to simplify file sharing. With Public folder sharing enabled, the public folders and all of the folders within the Public folder are automatically shared with the name Public. You do not have to configure file sharing on separate folders. You only have to either move or copy the file or folder you want to share on the network to the Public folder.

Windows Vista by default does not allow simple file sharing. Access to shared folders, including the public folder (if shared), requires a user name and password. Simple file sharing is enabled by default in Windows XP Home Edition.

Hope this helps!

--Dubs =)

Answer 3

ThisTime, try this.

From eggheadcafe.com/conversation.aspx?messageid=29878351

check the 'enable netbios over tcp/ip' in tcp/ip v4 properties\advanced\ wins tab

--Dubs